Open seasons on Flanagan South, Southern Access Extension pipelines continue MLO Phase 2 rollout, reinforce North America’s ‘critical’ role
From the streets of Venezuela to the Strait of Hormuz, geopolitical conflicts have mightily shaken the global energy market in 2026.
All of which makes one thing clear.
“North America’s role in the global energy system has become increasingly critical,” said Enbridge President and CEO Greg Ebel said May 8, as Enbridge released our 2026 Q1 financial results.
“The past several months have presented some of the most volatile and complex conditions the global energy sector has faced in decades,” added Mr. Ebel. “Recent geopolitical developments, including the conflict involving Iran, have reinforced the importance of energy security, positioning both Canada and the United States to increasingly supply reliable energy to global markets.”
Enbridge transports about 30% of the oil produced in North America. The first quarter of 2026 saw record volumes on our Mainline liquids pipeline network—an average of 3.2 million barrels per day (bpd).
And on May 8, as part of our Q1 results, we discussed further advancements in our Mainline Optimization (MLO) program—initiatives that could move up to 430,000 bpd of growing Canadian production to American refineries.
"The past several months have presented some of the most volatile and complex conditions the global energy sector has faced in decades. Recent geopolitical developments, including the conflict involving Iran, have reinforced the importance of energy security, positioning both Canada and the United States to increasingly supply reliable energy to global markets."
Greg Ebel
Enbridge President and Chief Executive Officer
MLO Phase 2 aims to move additional 250,000 barrels a day of WCSB production to Gulf Coast
Those advancements include two binding open seasons as part of MLO Phase 2, which could move an additional 250,000 bpd of Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) production to the U.S. Gulf Coast:
- An open season for 200,000 bpd on our Flanagan South Pipeline, also using the Seaway Crude Pipeline for delivery to the Seaway Jones Creek Terminal in Brazoria County, TX
- An open season for 50,000 bpd on the Southern Access Extension (SAX) Pipeline, also using the Energy Transfer Crude Oil Pipeline (ETCOP) for delivery to Nederland, TX.
Enbridge has a partial ownership interest in Seaway, SAX and ETCOP.
“Commodity price fluctuations, rapidly shifting geopolitical dynamics, and unprecedented supply disruptions have significantly impacted the energy landscape. Throughout this period, Enbridge—alongside the North American energy industry—has continued to deliver critical energy to homes and businesses around the world,” said Mr. Ebel.
“Looking ahead, we remain committed to working collaboratively with policymakers and regulators to advance essential energy infrastructure across North America under our all-of-the-above approach to energy investment. This is a pivotal moment for our industry, and Enbridge is exceptionally well positioned.”
Enbridge’s secured growth projects backlog is now at about C$40 billion, financing for which is expected to come from an anticipated C$10 to $11 billion in annual growth capital investment capacity.
“We believe Enbridge can play a major role in the global energy markets with a broad and growing set of opportunities driven by increasing domestic power demand, new LNG infrastructure, and rising crude oil production across our footprint,” said Mr. Ebel.
Why do these advancements on Enbridge’s Mainline Optimization liquids pipelines initiative matter?
- Enbridge advanced its Mainline Optimization program to increase capacity for transporting Canadian crude to U.S. markets amid evolving global energy conditions
- Two open seasons were launched to move up to 250,000 barrels per day of additional Western Canadian crude to the U.S. Gulf Coast.
- Proposed volumes include 200,000 barrels per day via Flanagan South and 50,000 barrels per day via the Southern Access Extension pipeline.
- Mainline volumes averaged about 3.2 million barrels per day in Q1 2026, indicating high utilization of existing pipeline infrastructure.
(TOP PHOTO: The DeKalb pump station along the Southern Access Extension (SAX) Pipeline, a 24-inch-diameter crude oil line that originates at Enbridge’s Flanagan Terminal near Pontiac, IL, and terminates at an existing crude oil terminal near Patoka, IL. Enbridge operates and has a 65% ownership interest in the project.)
