November 2009 Vol. 236 No. 11

Projects

Kinder Morgan Begins Biodiesel Shipments On Oregon Pipeline

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners has started commercial transportation of blended 2 percent biodiesel (B2) through its 115-mile Oregon Pipeline that runs from Portland to Eugene.

The first commercial batch of 100,000 bbls of B2 was created using a newly installed blending system to inject B99 into ultra low sulfur diesel at the company’s Willbridge terminal in Portland. Other area terminals are expected to be able to deliver B2 to the Kinder Morgan pipeline. Kinder Morgan’s Oregon line is one of only a few pipelines in the United States able to regularly transport blended biodiesel, as this pipeline does not transport jet fuel, thereby eliminating the potential for “trailback” of product into subsequent jet fuel batches.

“This new biodiesel shipment capability will help diesel fuel suppliers throughout Oregon meet a state biodiesel mandate that goes into effect on Oct. 1,” said KMP Products Pipeline President Tom Bannigan. “We are transporting B2 in a way that’s operationally efficient, quality controlled and cost-effective.”