Energy Transfer Expands Nederland NGL Export Capacity

Strong global demand for U.S. NGL exports is driving another major expansion at one of the Gulf Coast's largest export hubs.

(P&GJ) — Energy Transfer will expand ethane and LPG export capacity at its Nederland terminal in Texas after securing long-term customer commitments for the project.

The expansion will increase ethane export capacity by 240,000 barrels per day and add 55,000 bpd of LPG export capacity. Energy Transfer said all of the new ethane capacity has already been contracted under long-term agreements extending into the 2040s.

To support the additional exports, the company plans to expand NGL pipeline capacity between Mont Belvieu and Nederland, construct two new ship docks and add related terminal infrastructure. The project is expected to enter service in phases beginning in 2028.

Energy Transfer said the expansion builds on growing demand for U.S. natural gas liquids exports. Since beginning ethane exports from Nederland in 2021, the company has shipped more than 430 million barrels from the facility.

The company also expects previously announced expansions of refrigerated propane and butane storage at Nederland to enter service during the first half of 2027. Upon completion of the latest project and the additional docks in 2029, refrigerated NGL export capacity at Nederland is expected to exceed 1.25 million bpd.

Combined with the Marcus Hook export terminal in Pennsylvania, Energy Transfer's total refrigerated NGL export capacity is projected to reach approximately 1.7 million bpd following planned expansions.