A unit of Williams Partners LP is holding a binding open season through March 26 for an expansion of its Transco pipeline to provide incremental firm capacity to transport Marcellus Shale gas from Pennsylvania to New York and New Jersey markets, Williams said Thursday.

The Northeast Supply Link expansion project is designed to provide 420,000 Dth/d of firm service on Transco from interconnections accessing Marcellus production along its Leidy Line in Pennsylvania to its Station 210 pooling point and existing New York City delivery points. Transco has executed a precedent agreement with an anchor shipper for 200,000 Dth/d of the capacity; the remaining 220,000 Dth/d is being offered in the open season.

Williams owns 84% of Williams Partners, including the general partner interest. Most of Williams’ interstate gas pipeline and midstream assets are held through its ownership interest in Williams Partners.

“This project is the latest in a long line of expansions of our Leidy Line to provide customers access to abundant supplies closer to our Northeast markets,” said Phil Wright, president of Williams’ natural gas pipeline business.

Subject to approval by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the first phase of the project is designed to be placed in service in November 2012, providing 120,000 Dth/d of firm service. The second and final phase would follow in November 2013.

The level of market interest will determine the cost and pipeline facilities required for the expansion. For information contact Gary Duvall at (713) 215-2589.

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