LOOP initiates supertanker tests

The Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP), the largest privately owned crude terminal in America, has moored a supertanker and initiated a detailed test procedure, bringing it closer to being able to export crude oil worldwide. Washington lifted a 40-year ban on oil exports two years ago, and since then tankers filled with U.S. crude have landed in more than 30 countries from China to Togo. In 2017, LOOP said Gulf Coast facility would have the capacity to load Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), the largest oil tankers, which can ship some 2 million barrels of oil by early 2018. GC terminals handle three-quarters of U.S. crude exports, but only LOOP can handle supertankers. The company made minor modifications to its existing facilities to operate the port complex for both imports and exports, according to its website. The configuration safely enables loading and offloading of VLCCs without multiple shuttle tanker movements, the company says. (Source: Marine Link 02/13/18)