Trans Mountain exploring capacity expansion projects but not a 3rd pipeline [Video]

Canadian pipeline operator Trans Mountain is looking at expansion projects in the short and long terms that could add between 200,000 and 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) of capacity to the company’s system, Jason Balasch, a vice president at the firm, said on Thursday.

The pipeline, which can currently carry up to 890,000 bpd of crude from Alberta to Canada’s Pacific Coast for export, has been in the spotlight after U.S. President Donald Trump said his country would slap 10 per cent tariffs on Canadian oil imports.

The line has offered a way for Canadian oil producers to sell to international markets without relying on the U.S. extensive network of pipelines. The pipeline currently accounts for 9% of Canada’s total crude exports.

Trans Mountain is exploring short-term options, including using a drag reducing agent in its pipeline to boost the flows and other long-term solutions like adding pumps, Balasch said on the sidelines of an …