450-Mile Eiger Express Pipeline Gets Green Light for Permian-to-Gulf Natural Gas Transport
The 450-mile Eiger Express Pipeline receives final investment decision to transport 2.5 Bcf/d of Permian Basin natural gas to Gulf Coast markets by mid-2028.
(P&GJ) — A major natural gas pipeline project connecting the Permian Basin to the Gulf Coast has received final investment approval, marking another significant infrastructure development in the booming West Texas energy corridor.
The Eiger Express Pipeline, a 450-mile, 42-inch diameter project, will transport up to 2.5 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas from the Permian Basin to the Katy area near Houston. The pipeline is expected to begin operations in mid-2028, pending regulatory approvals.
WhiteWater announced on Aug. 25 that it has partnered with MPLX LP, ONEOK, Inc. and Enbridge Inc. through their Matterhorn joint venture to move forward with construction after securing sufficient firm transportation agreements with primarily investment-grade shippers.
The pipeline will source natural gas from multiple Permian Basin connections, including gas processing facilities in the Midland Basin and from the Delaware Basin via the existing Agua Blanca Pipeline, which is jointly owned by WhiteWater, Enbridge and MPLX.
Ownership of the Eiger Express Pipeline is structured as a joint venture, with the Matterhorn joint venture holding a 70% stake, while ONEOK and MPLX each maintain 15% direct ownership positions. Combined with their ownership through the Matterhorn venture, ONEOK will hold 25.5% total ownership and MPLX will control 22% of the pipeline.
WhiteWater will handle both construction and operations of the new pipeline system, adding to the growing network of natural gas infrastructure designed to move Permian production to Gulf Coast markets and export facilities.
The project represents continued investment in midstream infrastructure as Permian Basin natural gas production continues to expand, requiring additional takeaway capacity to reach domestic and international markets.