The US Maritime Administration (MARAD) has suspended the licensing process for the Sea Port Oil Terminal (SPOT) project developed by Enterprise and Enbridge. The suspension is aimed to give Enterprise more time to answer questions and provide additional information. The SPOT is set to be the first deepwater crude oil export terminal in Texas when it is completed in 2022.
However, the delay is expected to push the project’s completion to at least 2023. The proposed 2 million bpd SPOT will be constructed about 30 miles offshore of Freeport. The terminal will be able to handle two Very Large Crude Carriers simultaneously. Enbridge joined Enterprise on the SPOT project in December after withdrawing from its COLT project in Texas.
Earlier this year, Enterprise said that it expected approval delays in the SPOT project due to the coronavirus pandemic and the collapse of oil prices. The project also receives opposition from some local communities and environmental groups. However, the company remains committed to the project. Enterprise spokesman Rick Rainey said that it continued communication with USCG/MARAD and other relevant federal regulators to ensure the project’s smooth progress.
