Biden administration recently approved plans to build the nation’s largest oil export terminal anchored about 30 miles south of Freeport off Texas’ gulf coast. When completed in 2025 it will add two million b/d to the U.S. oil export capacity. Approval by maritime administration in U.S. Department of Transportation was filed in the federal register Nov. 21 and first reported last week by environmental nonprofit Earthworks.
Sea Port Oil Terminal (SPOT) will enable continued growth in U.S. shale oil production and in global consumption. Developers are Enterprise and Enbridge. EPA issued approval last month. SPOT will make loading large crude carriers more efficient and cut oil transportation costs. Enterprise said, “It is gratifying to see the maritime administration recognize the significant environmental and maritime safety advantages of SPOT compared to current industry practice.”