Enterprise Products Partners LP is providing pipeline and marine terminal services to load its first export cargo of crude oil produced in the United States.

Earlier this month lawmakers cleared the way for export of crude oil from the United States, a significant victory for domestic producers (see Shale Daily, Dec. 16).

Enterprise said the 600,000 bbl cargo of domestic light crude oil is scheduled to load at the Enterprise Hydrocarbon Terminal on the Houston Ship Channel during the first week of January.

“We are excited to announce our first contract to export U.S. crude oil, which to our knowledge may be the first export cargo of U.S. crude oil from the Gulf Coast in almost 40 years,” said Jim Teague, COO of Enterprise’s general partner. “Enterprise’s integrated system enabled us to quickly respond to customer demand for U.S. crude oil by international markets.”

Separately, producer Pioneer Natural Resources Co. — a vocal proponent of domestic crude exports — said it expects to have the capability to export domestic crude by the middle of next year.

“The company has been actively working with its midstream partners to secure export facilities along the U.S. Gulf Coast, which will maximize the company’s crude marketing flexibility going forward.” Pioneer said in a statement following the lifting of the ban. “Europe, Asia and Latin America are potential markets for U.S. crude as countries from these areas would realize economic and security advantages by diversifying their sources of supply.”

An Enterprise spokesman was not available to provide additional details on the company’s planned January export cargo.