Enterprise considers curtailment of Mont Belvieu NGL fractionation, storage services

Enterprise Products Partners LP is evaluating the potential curtailment of its natural gas liquid (NGL) fractionation and storage services at its Mont Belvieu complex east of Houston due to the cumulative effects of Hurricane Harvey’s impacts, the company announced.

The impacts from the storm include the limitation of critical services provided by third parties, such as nitrogen supplies; flooding; and access to facilities, Enterprise says. These impacts are exacerbated by the disruptions to energy demand caused by Harvey’s effects on refineries and petrochemical facilities on the U.S. Gulf Coast and the closure of all ports on the Texas Gulf Coast, which limit access to export markets, the company adds.

The cumulative effect of these issues has caused brine containment issues and a reduction of fractionation capacity at Enterprise’s Mont Belvieu complex.

Enterprise, which days earlier reported minor damage to its assets on the U.S. Gulf Coast, says it will provide a periodic update of the situation as factors warrant.