Superior Energy Systems recently completed its newest propane terminal build for Tri Gas & Oil, which will operate as affiliate Mid-Atlantic Rail Services (MARS).
Superior spearheaded all efforts in the design, engineering, permitting, construction, startup and commissioning of the brand-new Baltimore terminal.
Family-owned Tri Gas & Oil offers energy solutions to residential and commercial customers in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
“Superior exceeded our expectations with this terminal build,” said Keith McMahan, chairman and CEO of Tri Gas & Oil. “From the initial design phase to commissioning, the Superior team focused on quality, efficiency and customer service at every step. Now we can provide an additional midstream source of propane to our growing community.”
MARS will serve the mid-Atlantic region with a reliable source of propane by providing destination-delivered supply or railcar throughput arrangements.
The new terminal, served by Norfolk Southern and CSX Railroads, will initially provide 120,000 gallons of propane storage, along with a four-position rail rack and two truck loading racks. Double-acting compressors quickly unload and recover vapor from railcars. Turbine pumps allow for loading rates of 550 gallons per minute, with capability to load up to six trucks per hour at an average rate of 18 minutes per truck.
“Local daily switching service from The Canton Railroad provides up to three switches a day in the peak of winter,” said Andy Ronald, NGL consultant with JAR Consulting. “This translates to product delivered into as many as 36 trucks per day when it is needed most.”
Located just north of Baltimore Harbor off Highway 95, the terminal allows trucks access to bulk propane product. Fuel transport trucks in Maryland are prohibited from entering the tunnel system, typically traveling over bridges instead. The strategic location of MARS allows for the use of the Francis Scott Key Bridge when accessing from the south of Baltimore.
The Canton Railroad, a Class III switching and terminal railroad in Baltimore County, operates the terminal. Superior led design efforts to extend the railway siding to create adequate space for the terminal.
“The new MARS terminal is an example of how Superior strategically builds efficient, safe and fully automated terminals that play a crucial role in delivering fuel to underserved markets,” said Derek Rimko, vice president of operations for Superior Energy Systems. “Our excellence in engineering quality and design, combined with our commitment to customer service, continue to set us apart in the midstream market.”
A grand opening event and tour of the terminal is planned for spring and will be open to the public. For information on the event, please contact Crystelle Markley at [email protected].