Trans Mountain is exploring opportunities along the existing pipeline corridor which could increase system throughput from 890,000 barrels per day (bpd) up to approximately 1,250,000 bpd in the next four to five years.
The proposed optimization projects are in the early stages and subject to technical reviews, commercial confirmation and a thorough regulatory review.
Optimizing the existing pipeline system would:
- Strengthen Canada’s energy independence by expanding access to international markets, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Diversify Canada’s customer base and improve long-term economic resilience through enhanced export capacity.
- Improve returns to taxpayers and producers, generate additional government revenues, and increase global competitiveness for Canadian energy by increasing throughput by up to 400,000 bpd.
Regulatory process and engagement
These proposed optimization projects are in the preliminary exploration phase and are subject to all applicable regulatory and permitting requirements. The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) is the primary regulator of the Trans Mountain pipeline in Canada. No formal applications have been submitted to regulators at this time. If work on these proposed projects proceeds, it would take place over the next four to five years.
Before proceeding, a project proposal must go through a detailed regulatory process, including thorough reviews, approvals, and formal opportunities for public input. As part of this process, Trans Mountain is committed to a comprehensive process of engagement, consultation and collaboration with:
- Indigenous groups
- Local communities
- Regulators
- Government Agencies
