Sharp Energy triples propane rail terminal capacity in Delaware

Photo courtesy of Chesapeake Utilities Corp./Sharp Energy

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.’s propane distribution subsidiary, Sharp Energy, completed significant construction upgrades to its propane rail facility in North Dover, Delaware.

The enhanced rail facility triples Sharp Energy’s propane supply capacity to serve tens of thousands of end users throughout Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. The rail facility includes a state-of-the-art rail platform that provides safe access to unloading fuel and a convenient transport loading bay for outgoing product.

“The North Dover rail facility is another example of Sharp Energy’s unwavering commitment to serving our customers,” says Andy Hesson, vice president of Sharp Energy. “The facility is a creative, cost-effective solution that helps us meet the region’s growing energy needs while continuing to provide reliable, clean and affordable energy to the customers and communities we serve.”

The completed upgrades increased the facility’s storage capacity by an additional 275,000 gallons, bringing the total available capacity at the facility to 385,000 gallons. With this additional capacity, Sharp’s total propane storage capacity in the Mid-Atlantic region increases to more than 3.5 million gallons.
The rail facility enhances the company’s ability to expand service to additional large industrial customers, while ensuring an additional layer of security and stability to Sharp’s supply availability.

“The upgraded rail facility increases the reliability of our propane supply on a year-round basis, including the cold winter months when customers rely on propane to heat their homes and businesses,” says Steve Farkas, director of operations for Sharp Energy. “Sharp Energy customers, as well as customers of other propane distribution companies throughout the region, will benefit from the additional supply that is now available here in Delaware.”

In addition to using the facility to better meet the needs of Sharp Energy customers, Sharp plans to wholesale more than 13 million gallons of propane to other energy marketers annually.