CP expanding movement of Saskatchewan crude oil

CALGARY, Alta. — Canadian Pacific is expanding the transportation of crude oil by rail from the Saskatchewan Bakken Formation.

CP will be increasing volumes of crude oil movement by rail out of the Saskatchewan Bakken oil formation through a new CP transload facility, operated by Bulk Plus Logistics in Estevan. The move is in addition to railcar loads already moving out of the Dollard, Sask. transload facility, located on the Great Western Railway, a short line partner of Canadian Pacific. The oil is destined to various refineries in both Canada and the US, according to officials.

“To move the crude by rail opportunities to the next level, CP will take what it has learned and the products developed in North Dakota and apply them in the emerging Saskatchewan and Alberta Bakken markets,” said Tracy Robinson, CP’s vice-president of energy and merchandise. “The model we developed in North Dakota is proven and we’re now bringing that north. To fully capitalize on these opportunities, CP has established a specialized Energy Development Team to proactively position CP’s products and capabilities in this rapidly emerging market place.”

“The Bakken Formation represents significant growth opportunities for the people of Saskatchewan and those involved in the development of this emerging market,” said Saskatchewan Energy and Resources Minster Bill Boyd. “I’m certain that CP’s experience and leadership in crude by rail transportation will prove effective in helping Saskatchewan producers with similar solutions, allowing them rapid entry into new markets.”

CP is investing more than $90 million to enhance capacity on its US main line south of Saskatchewan, through North Dakota and into Minnesota to handle anticipated increased Bakken crude shipments, including upgraded track and sidings.