Pipelines bypassing Hormuz (East–West, ADCOP, Kirkuk–Ceyhan, Kinder Morgan, Russia PS2/PS, TC Energy Mexico/Trans Mountain, TurkStream, PHMSA grants, Gibson Hardisty, TAP, GTN Xpress)
Key Questions
What pipeline projects are bypassing the Strait of Hormuz?
Key projects include UAE's $4B ADCOP (1.5-1.8mbpd), Saudi East-West (5-7mbpd), TC Trans Mountain (890kbpd), Gibson Hardisty (+50%), and TAP (+1.2bcm/y '26). Others like Kirkuk-Ceyhan, Kinder Morgan ($3.4B), Russia PS2/PS, and GTN Xpress aid mitigation. Global efforts total $100B but face valves/EPC risks.
What recent win did GTN Xpress achieve for pipeline expansion?
GTN Xpress secured a FERC Fifth Circuit victory, easing compressor expansion rates and NEPA processes. This supports natural gas pipeline growth amid Hormuz bypass needs. It facilitates North American expansions like TC Energy's plans.
How is the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) expanding?
TAP is expanding 2026 capacity by +1.2bcm/y to boost Azerbaijani gas flows to Italy and Albania. This helps Europe offset supply gaps. It fits into broader Hormuz bypass strategies.
What enhancements is Gibson Energy making at Hardisty?
Gibson Energy is increasing throughput and connectivity at Hardisty Hub via terminal and pipeline enhancements, boosting +50% capacity. This supports Canadian oil flows like TC Trans Mountain. It mitigates regional supply crunches.
What risks are associated with these bypass pipelines?
Risks include explosives near Serbia-Hungary and TurkStream pipelines, raising security alerts. GCC projects face delays amid conflict, and EPC/valve issues persist. PHMSA grants ($98M) and Kinder Morgan ($3.4B) aim to address but uncertainties remain.
How are Gulf nations responding to Hormuz disruptions with pipelines?
Gulf nations explore routes like ADCOP and East-West pipelines beyond Hormuz amid Iran war. These offer 1.5-7mbpd alternatives. Conflicts spur new opportunities despite risks.
What North American pipeline expansions are progressing?
TC Energy advances Trans Mountain (890kbpd), Southeast Gateway, and Mexico projects for natgas footprint. GTN Xpress FERC win and PHMSA $98M grants support. Carney's pipeline hits full capacity amid Trump pressures.
Are there threats to alternative pipelines like TurkStream?
Highly destructive explosives found near Serbia-Hungary gas pipeline and TurkStream, prompting alarms. Serbia raises gas supply danger alerts for Europe. This heightens risks for Russia-China routes and others.
GTN Xpress FERC Fifth Circuit win eases compressor expansion rates/NEPA; UAE $4B ADCOP 1.5-1.8mbpd/Saudi East-West 5-7mbpd/TC Trans Mountain 890kbpd/Gibson +50%/TAP +1.2bcm/y '26; Kinder $3.4B/PHMSA $98M; $100B global mitigates but valves/EPC risks remain.