TC Energy Corp. is gauging support to add up to 80,000 b/d of new oil capacity to the 11-year-old Keystone XL pipeline that moves supply from Alberta to U.S. markets.

Keystone

The open season, running until Feb. 19, is testing interest and gathering shipper bids. Agreements would be completed within 60 days after a March 26 deadline for customers to provide assurance they would pay the tolls.

In the United States, the Calgary-based operator has a presidential permit granted by the Trump administration to increase Keystone oil flows to capacity without constructing new facilities. Pump and flow improvements have been made at the Canadian inlet.

The proposed Keystone contracts, if they gain enough support from customers, would keep traffic volumes high on the 600,000 b/d system even if...