Trans Mountain is progressing with its initial plan to enhance oil flow through its pipeline connecting Alberta and British Columbia. The Crown corporation has filed an application with the Canada Energy Regulator to introduce drag reducing agents (DRA) to boost oil transportation capacity by up to 10%. The undertaking is estimated to cost $9 million, with construction slated to commence in August and potential operational readiness by January 2027.
The original Trans Mountain pipeline system dates back to the 1950s, while the $34 billion expansion initiative commenced oil transport from Edmonton to Vancouver in May 2024. Originally slated for later in the decade, the consideration for pipeline capacity expansion was accelerated due to rising oil production in Alberta and projected constraints on existing export pipelines in upcoming years.
According to Trans Mountain’s submitted documents, the DRA Project will not cause additional vessel traffic at the Westridge Marine Terminal beyond the existing assessment for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project. The company is also exploring other strategies to amplify oil transport, including the construction of additional pumping stations capable of increasing daily oil movement by 360,000 barrels within the next five years. Presently, the twin pipeline has the capacity to convey around 890,000 barrels per day between Alberta and British Columbia’s west coast.
Drag reducing agents are cost-effective chemicals that diminish friction within pipelines, presenting a relatively economical solution compared to other proposed enhancements. Several proposed expansions to major pipelines, including Trans Mountain, have the potential to significantly elevate Western Canada’s oil export capacity.