Ethane

Delaware County (PA) | Energy Services | Energy Transfer Partners | Ethane | Exporting | Industrywide Issues | NGLs | Pennsylvania

Energy Transfer Sees Growing NGL Exports from M-U via Marcus Hook
May 13, 2026May 13, 2026

Energy Transfer LP (ET) owns and operates one of the largest and most diversified portfolios of energy assets in the U.S., with approximately 140,000 miles of pipeline and associated energy infrastructure. ET’s strategic network spans 44 states and includes assets in all major U.S. production basins, including the Marcellus/Utica. The company issued its first quarter 2026 update last week. ET sees the Marcellus/Utica region as a key source of NGL supplies for its export operations, particularly exports from the Marcus Hook terminal near Philadelphia. Read More “Energy Transfer Sees Growing NGL Exports from M-U via Marcus Hook”
Beaver County | Energy Companies | Ethane | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Processing Plants | Shell

Shell Still Pondering Sale of Chemicals Div., Including PA Cracker
May 11, 2026May 11, 2026

In March 2025, the Wall Street Journal reported that Shell is “exploring a potential sale of its chemicals assets in Europe and the U.S.,” which includes the Monaca (Beaver County, PA) ethane cracker complex (see Shocker: Shell Considers Selling Beaver County, PA Ethane Cracker). In August 2025, during a quarterly earnings call with analysts, Shell CEO Wael Sawan confirmed the rumor, saying Shell is “not the natural operator and owner of that asset” referring to the Monaca cracker plant (see Shell Looks to Sell All or Part of Monaca, PA Ethane Cracker Plant). Last Thursday, during Shell’s latest quarterly update, Sawan once again reiterated the desire to sell the company’s chemicals division, including the PA cracker, but only if it creates “shareholder value.” Read More “Shell Still Pondering Sale of Chemicals Div., Including PA Cracker”
Energy Companies | Ethane | Industrywide Issues | Processing Plants | Regulation | Shell

PA Extends Temporary Shell Cracker Air Quality Permits Until Oct.
April 27, 2026April 27, 2026

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has extended three temporary air permits for the Shell ethane cracker plant in Monaca, PA, which would have expired on April 28, 2026. The DEP did the same thing in May 2024 (see Shell Cracker Air Quality Permits from PA DEP Temporarily Extended). The extended permits will suffice until the DEP reviews and issues a federal Title V Operating Permit for air emissions by the cracker plant. Read More “PA Extends Temporary Shell Cracker Air Quality Permits Until Oct.”
Delaware County (PA) | Energy Services | Energy Transfer Partners | Ethane | Exporting | Industrywide Issues | NGLs | Pennsylvania

Celebrating 10 Yrs Since First Ethane Export from Marcus Hook, PA
April 2, 2026April 2, 2026

The INEOS Intrepid received a fireboat parade when it arrived with its cargo of Marcus Hook ethane in Norway 10 years ago.

A decade ago, the INEOS Intrepid departed from Energy Transfer’s Marcus Hook Terminal, marking the first transatlantic shipment of ethane to Europe. This milestone resolved a critical surplus issue in the Marcellus and Utica shale formations, where excess ethane had previously hindered natural gas production. By establishing global export routes through ET’s Mariner NGL pipelines, ET revitalized the U.S. natural gas industry and improved domestic market reliability for various fuel products. Today, ethane remains vital for producing essential plastics, and the company is currently expanding its chilling capacity to further bolster international distribution capabilities. Read More “Celebrating 10 Yrs Since First Ethane Export from Marcus Hook, PA”
Anti-Drilling/Fossil Fuel | Beaver County | Energy Companies | Ethane | Industrywide Issues | Litigation | Pennsylvania | Processing Plants | Shell

Key Issue for Shell PA Cracker: What Constitutes Emissions Data?
March 9, 2026March 9, 2026

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Shell’s $15 billion petrochemical complex in Beaver County faces intense scrutiny following new emissions data highlighting persistent operational problems. Since opening, the facility has received 80 malfunction reports and 43 state violation notices. From 2020 to 2024, the plant emitted 17.9 billion pounds of “pollutants,” including nearly 400 million pounds of unexpected emissions during malfunctions involving hazardous chemicals like benzene and naphthalene. Despite Shell’s efforts, ongoing issues such as flaring, equipment breakdowns, and a 2025 fire continue to concern regulators and residents, while the local economy has unexpectedly shrunk since the plant’s inception. Read More “Key Issue for Shell PA Cracker: What Constitutes Emissions Data?”
Energy Services | Energy Transfer Partners | Ethane | Exporting | Industrywide Issues | NGLs

ET Ponders Resurrecting Lake Charles LNG Project for NGL Exports
February 27, 2026February 27, 2026

In December, we brought you the sad and unexpected news that Energy Transfer (ET) had suspended development of its Lake Charles LNG project to “focus on allocating capital to its significant backlog of natural gas pipeline infrastructure projects that Energy Transfer believes provide superior risk/return profiles” (see Energy Transfer Unexpectedly Kills Lake Charles LNG Export Project). Even though ET is not moving forward with LNG exports at the site, the company is considering another option: NGL (primarily ethane) exports. Read More “ET Ponders Resurrecting Lake Charles LNG Project for NGL Exports”
Beaver County | Energy Companies | Ethane | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Processing Plants | Shell

Shell Weighs PA Cracker Plant Future as Chemical Losses Hit $66M
February 6, 2026February 6, 2026

Yesterday, Shell’s chemical division reported a $66 million fourth-quarter loss, driven by weak margins and operational hurdles at its $14 billion Beaver County ethane cracker plant complex. Shell CEO Wael Sawan acknowledged the chemicals business is underperforming, making a turnaround a “top priority” for 2026. Although Shell is exploring a sale or joint venture for the Monaca facility due to its geographic isolation and high costs, no specific updates were shared during the latest earnings call. Read More “Shell Weighs PA Cracker Plant Future as Chemical Losses Hit $66M”
Energy Services | Enterprise Products Partners | Ethane | Industrywide Issues | NGLs | Pipelines

Enterprise M-U Ethane Pipelines to Gulf Coast Increased Volume in 4Q
February 5, 2026February 5, 2026

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In the fourth quarter of 2025, Enterprise Products Partners (EPD) demonstrated growth in its Marcellus/Utica (Appalachian) region operations primarily through its Eastern Ethane Pipeline system (ATEX & Aegis) and increased propane demand in the Northeast. While the majority of the partnership’s newest “major” capital projects are concentrated in the Permian Basin, several items were mentioned in the recent 4Q update that specifically impact or reflect the Marcellus/Utica region. Read More “Enterprise M-U Ethane Pipelines to Gulf Coast Increased Volume in 4Q”
Delaware County (PA) | Energy Services | Energy Transfer Partners | Ethane | Exporting | Industrywide Issues | NGLs | Pennsylvania

Construction Underway at Marcus Hook to Expand M-U Ethane Exports
October 15, 2025October 15, 2025

Ethane Crystal

In February 2024, Energy Transfer co-CEO Tom Long announced a project to add more ethane refrigeration and storage at Marcus Hook, leading to more exports of ethane from the facility (see Record High NGL Exports from Marcus Hook, ET Expanding Facility). Fast forward, and construction is currently underway, with completion expected by the end of this year. When done, the Marcus Hook Terminal Optimization project will add 900,000 barrels (Bbls) of refrigerated ethane storage capacity and approximately 20,000 Bbls/d of incremental ethane chilling capacity. Translation: an additional 20,000 Bbls/d of Marcellus/Utica ethane export capacity is on the way at Marcus Hook, near Philadelphia. Read More “Construction Underway at Marcus Hook to Expand M-U Ethane Exports”
Energy Services | Energy Transfer Partners | Enterprise Products Partners | Ethane | Exporting | Industrywide Issues | Regulation

Exporters Say China is Now Gun-Shy About Buying U.S. Ethane
August 11, 2025August 11, 2025

The two U.S. companies that export ethane, Energy Transfer and Enterprise Products Partners, are both saying that the Trump administration’s temporary block on shipping ethane to China in June gave our export industry a black eye, and China is much less likely to contract for more of our ethane shipments. (Cue the violins.) However, when you consider that China buys half (50%) of our ethane exports, and that ethane exports represent a good chunk of revenue for both companies (both with operations in the Marcellus/Utica), it’s not nothing. Read More “Exporters Say China is Now Gun-Shy About Buying U.S. Ethane”
Anti-Drilling/Fossil Fuel | Beaver County | Energy Companies | Ethane | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Processing Plants | Regulation | Shell

Antis Hound PA DEP for More Notifications & Fines re Shell Cracker
August 6, 2025August 6, 2025

Two days ago, MDN brought you the news confirming that Shell is looking to sell all or part of its Beaver County, PA, ethane cracker plant operation (see Shell Looks to Sell All or Part of Monaca, PA Ethane Cracker Plant). We remain somewhat incredulous that it wants to sell an asset like the cracker plant. The question is, why? We said this: “We still think Shell is just plain tired of dealing with all of the CRAP from the environmental left and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, which declares a new emergency or violation at the plant about every other day.” Right on cue, a group of radicals is hammering the DEP, claiming the cracker plant is polluting everything in sight and that the DEP is not being hard enough on Shell. Read More “Antis Hound PA DEP for More Notifications & Fines re Shell Cracker”
Beaver County | Energy Companies | Ethane | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Processing Plants | Shell

Shell Looks to Sell All or Part of Monaca, PA Ethane Cracker Plant
August 4, 2025August 4, 2025

Back in March, the Wall Street Journal reported that Shell is “exploring a potential sale of its chemicals assets in Europe and the U.S.,” which includes the recently completed Monaca (Beaver County, PA) ethane cracker complex (see Shocker: Shell Considers Selling Beaver County, PA Ethane Cracker). It looks like the rumors were right. Last week on an earnings call with analysts, Shell CEO Wael Sawan said, concerning the Monaca cracker, that Shell is “not the natural operator and owner of that asset.” Read More “Shell Looks to Sell All or Part of Monaca, PA Ethane Cracker Plant”
Energy Services | Energy Transfer Partners | Enterprise Products Partners | Ethane | Exporting | Industrywide Issues | Regulation

Much Ado About Nothing: U.S. Ethane Exports to China Fully Resume
July 8, 2025July 8, 2025

MDN recently brought you the news that the Trump administration was blocking cargoes of ethane to China (see U.S. Denies Permit for Enterprise to Export Ethane Cargoes to China). Ethane is a raw feedstock used to create plastics. Denying China access to our ethane hurts the Chinese economy. We later reported that the export ban to China was just a bargaining position and had been lifted (see Trump Trade Deal Lifts Ethane Export Ban to China; Cargo to India). However, in another twist to this saga, the Trump administration informed Enterprise Products and Energy Transfer (the two companies exporting ethane to China) that they could load the ethane and ship it. However, before unloading, they will still need U.S. government permission (see Trump Admin Sends Mixed Signals on Ethane Exports to China). The mixed signals are once again clear. Read More “Much Ado About Nothing: U.S. Ethane Exports to China Fully Resume”
Energy Services | Energy Transfer Partners | Enterprise Products Partners | Ethane | Exporting | Industrywide Issues | Regulation

Trump Admin Sends Mixed Signals on Ethane Exports to China
June 26, 2025June 26, 2025

mixed signals

MDN recently brought you the news that the Trump U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) was blocking at least three (possibly more) cargoes of ethane by rejecting permits to export to Enterprise Products Partners (see U.S. Denies Permit for Enterprise to Export Ethane Cargoes to China). Ethane is a raw feedstock used to create plastics. Denying China access to our ethane will hurt the Chinese economy. We later reported that the export ban to China was just a bargaining position and had been lifted (see Trump Trade Deal Lifts Ethane Export Ban to China; Cargo to India). However, in another twist to this saga, the Trump administration has informed Enterprise Products and Energy Transfer (the two companies exporting ethane to China) that they can load the ethane and ship it. However, before unloading, they will still need U.S. government permission. Huh? Read More “Trump Admin Sends Mixed Signals on Ethane Exports to China”
Ethane | Exporting | Industrywide Issues

Trump Trade Deal Lifts Ethane Export Ban to China; Cargo to India
June 16, 2025June 16, 2025

MDN recently brought you the news that the Trump U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) was blocking at least three (possibly more) cargoes of ethane by rejecting permits to export to Enterprise Products Partners (see U.S. Denies Permit for Enterprise to Export Ethane Cargoes to China). Ethane is a raw feedstock used to create plastics. Denying China access to our ethane will hurt the Chinese economy. We later reported that it appears the export ban to China was just a bargaining position and was unlikely to remain in place (see Trump Using Ethane Exports to China as Bargaining Chip in Trade War). That observation was prescient. On June 10, U.S. and Chinese negotiators reached a tentative framework that removed the export ban. Read More “Trump Trade Deal Lifts Ethane Export Ban to China; Cargo to India”
Accidents | Beaver County | Energy Companies | Ethane | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Processing Plants | Shell

PA DEP Says Shell Ethane Plant Fire May Have Released Carcinogens
June 6, 2025June 6, 2025

Footage of Shell’s ethane cracker in Monaca, Pa. shows smoke coming off the site. Image: Beaver County Marcellus Awareness Community

Another incident happened Wednesday afternoon at the Shell ethane cracker plant facility in Beaver County, PA. This isn’t the first problem at the plant (see our cracker problem stories here). An explosion and fire (with smoke) were reported at the ethane cracker on Wednesday. A company spokesperson stated that smoke was seen coming off of a furnace unit at the plant around 2:20 p.m. She said the incident was managed by site personnel, and the smoke dissipated. However, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has a concern that “a possible release of an unknown amount of 1,3-butadiene and benzene” —both hazardous air pollutants and known carcinogens (cancer-causing). Read More “PA DEP Says Shell Ethane Plant Fire May Have Released Carcinogens”