First Export Cargo from Expanded Trans Mountain Pipeline to Load

The crude oil tanker Dubai Angel docked at the Westridge Marine Terminal in Vancouver on Monday to load the first crude oil shipment from the recently expanded Trans Mountain pipeline (TMX), according to ship tracking data.

The vessel, chartered by Canadian oil producer Suncor Energy, is expected to load about 550,000 barrels of Access Western Blend (AWB) for delivery to China, as per data from Kpler.

Trans Mountain stated it plans to load the first vessel with oil from the expanded pipeline later this month. The TMX, which started commercial operations this month, will transport an additional 590,000 barrels per day (bpd) from Alberta to Canada’s Pacific coast, following years of regulatory delays and construction issues.

Traders and shippers are closely monitoring the pipeline flows and loadings from the Westridge Marine Terminal, as the expansion allows Canadian producers more access to U.S. West Coast and Asian markets. The tight supply of heavy crude has increased the attractiveness of Canadian oil to global buyers.

However, logistical challenges at the Port of Vancouver may limit the number of shipments, according to traders and shipping sources. The Port of Vancouver and Suncor did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Suncor announced this month that it is leasing Aframax vessels in the Pacific and selling directly to customers to maximize profits on oil shipped via TMX.