Seaway Crude Pipeline Co. LLC is gauging shipper interest in a potential 200,000 b/d expansion of its existing system to carry more crude oil from Cushing, OK, to the Gulf Coast.

In addition to the incremental 200,000 b/d of light crude capacity, the expansion would include “further quality enhancements in the segregation of heavy and light crude shipments,” management said.

Seaway, a joint venture between Enterprise Products Partners LP and Enbridge Inc., consists of a 500-mile, 30-inch diameter pipeline stretching from Cushing to the Freeport, TX, area. The system also includes a terminal and distribution network that starts in Texas City, TX, and serves refineries locally and throughout the Houston area, as well as dock facilities in Freeport and Texas City.

Seaway said the expansion would “debottleneck and optimize” its system primarily through pump upgrades. Initial capacity from the expansion would become available by mid-2020, with full in-service by 2022.

The operator said it could pursue further expansion depending on customer demand. Seaway said it’s targeting $1.25/bbl for light crude oil transportation from Cushing to the Gulf Coast.

Seaway plans to provide dates and other details for an open season in a future announcement. Interested parties should contact Shane Sullivan by email or at (713) 381-6550.