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It's not just oil: How did Trans Mountain become a pioneer in multi-product pipeline?
Since its operation in 1953, Trans Mountain Pipeline System (TMPL) has always played an important role in the field of oil delivery in North America.As the only pipeline in Canada that transports Alberta’s crude oil and refined products to the coast of British Columbia, TMPL has undergone significant technological innovations and policy changes since the beginning.In this process, TMPL successfully transformed from a single product pipeline to a multi-product pipeline and became a leader in the industry. What is the driving force behind this?
The Trans Mountain pipeline is more than just a crude oil transportation pipeline, it is shaping our relationship with resources.
Historical Background
In 1947, an oil field was discovered near Leduke, Alberta, which led to the construction of a pipeline project from Alberta to British Columbia.In 1951, the Canadian Parliament officially established Trans Mountain and obtained a construction permit. About two years later, in 1953, TMPL began to operate officially, and initially transported crude oil.It was not until 1983 that the TMPL model began to change, implementing multi-product delivery.
Transforming from a single product to a multi-product pipeline
TMPL launched a series of experiments in 1983 and began to successfully transform into a multi-product pipeline.In 1985, the pipeline transported refined products regularly, and by 1993, the service expanded to Vancouver, becoming the only major pipeline in the world that transported crude oil and refined petroleum products simultaneously.This change has greatly improved transportation efficiency and made TMPL more competitive.
TMPL's multi-product transportation model makes it not only limited to crude oil transportation, but also flexibly distributes and transports refined petroleum products.
The relationship between TMPL and petroleum refineries
As TMPL expands, many oil refineries in British Columbia have closed down due to shrinking market demand and are expanding in Alberta.The refined products provided by TMPL allow these manufacturers to transform into storage and distribution facilities, showing TMPL's strong influence in the industry.
Accidents and Environmental Impacts
Since 1961, TMPL has reported about 84 leaks, and although most of them occur in areas that can be controlled and do not meet the threshold of mandatory reporting, there are still some major leaks that cannot be ignored.In the 2005 Abbotsford incident, a pipeline rupture caused a large amount of crude oil to leak, reflecting TMPL's environmental protection challenges.
Trans Mountain Expansion Plan
In 2013, Kinder Morgan of Alberta submitted an application for expansion to the National Energy Commission, planning to build a second pipeline next to the existing pipeline, increasing its transportation capacity from 300,000 barrels per day to 890,000 barrels per day.Despite the fierce environmental protests and legal challenges, the Canadian federal government acquired the pipeline for CAD 4.7 billion in 2018, continuing to advance its expansion plan.
For supporters of TMPL expansion plans, job creation and economic enhancement are primary demands.
Controversy and protests about the expansion plan
But the expansion plan also encountered strong opposition, which environmentalists and indigenous groups believe will increase the risk of tanker traffic and cause irreversible damage to the ecological environment.In 2017, large-scale protests were organized across Canada, calling on the government to stop the expansion plan, demonstrating the society's high attention to environmental protection and the rights and interests of the Aboriginal peoples.
How to view the future of TMPL?
The history and transformations experienced by Trans Mountain pipeline reflect the tension between resource management and environmental protection.With the improvement of energy demand and environmental awareness, how should TMPL's future development balance economic benefits and environmental responsibilities? This is a question worth everyone's deep consideration?
