Epic Pipeline – Overview Update and Key Developments

Monday, May 22nd, 2017 and is filed under Oil and Gas Current Events, Oil and Gas Fun Facts, Permian Basin Oil News, Uncategorized

See below for a February 18, 2025 update on the EPIC Pipeline – the EPIC Crude Oil Pipeline, and the EPIC NGL.

TexStar EPIC Pipeline – Permian to Corpus Pipeline Proposed

TexStar Midstream Logistics along with Castleton Commodities International and Ironwood Midstream Energy Partners are planning a 730-mile pipeline that extends from the Permian Basin southeast to Corpus Christi. 

The pipeline, dubbed ‘EPIC,’ would have the capacity of carrying up to 40,000 barrels per day of crude and condensates from West Texas to Gulf Coast refineries and ports.

“TexStar and its partners are excited to extend our business into the Permian Basin, where we see tremendous opportunity and continued growth. TexStar has a proven track record of building crude oil pipelines in emerging areas and looks forward to expanding upon its relationships with producers to make the project a success,” says Phil Mezey, CEO of TexStar’s general partner.

TexStar was originally founded in San Antonio, TX in 2004 by Phil Mezey and Scott Martin.

The EPIC pipeline is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2019.

May 22, 2017

EPIC Pipeline Update February 18, 2025

The EPIC Pipeline is owned and operated by EPIC Midstream Holdings, LP, a private midstream company headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. The company focuses on crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGL) transportation, storage, and export infrastructure.

EPIC Pipeline Ownership & Key Stakeholders

• EPIC Midstream Holdings, LP is backed by Ares Management Corporation, a global alternative investment firm.
• The company initially developed the EPIC Crude and NGL Pipelines to support growing production in the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale.
• The crude pipeline was temporarily used to transport NGLs before being converted to full crude oil service in 2020.

About the EPIC Pipeline

The EPIC Pipeline is a major crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGL) pipeline system in the U.S., designed to transport energy resources from the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale to the Gulf Coast. It consists of two primary pipelines:

1. EPIC Crude Oil Pipeline

   • Transports crude oil from the Permian Basin (West Texas and southeastern New Mexico) and the Eagle Ford Shale (South Texas) to the Corpus Christi area.
   • Has a capacity of around 600,000 barrels per day (bpd).
   • Plays a key role in moving oil to export terminals and refineries along the Gulf Coast.

2. EPIC NGL Pipeline

   • Transports natural gas liquids (like ethane, propane, and butane) from the Permian Basin to fractionation and processing facilities on the Texas Gulf Coast.
   • Originally operated as a crude oil pipeline before being converted to NGL service.
   • Provides connectivity between key production areas and Gulf Coast petrochemical and export markets.

Why the Pipeline Matters to Investors

The EPIC Pipeline has a significant impact on oil and gas investments, especially for those looking to capitalize on infrastructure, midstream assets, and upstream production in the Permian Basin. Here’s why it matters for investors:

1. Increased Market Access & Higher Oil Prices

• The EPIC Pipeline allows Permian producers to transport crude efficiently to Gulf Coast refineries and export terminals, reducing reliance on more expensive trucking or rail options.
• This access helps stabilize and improve crude oil pricing for producers, minimizing price differentials (e.g., the Midland-WTI discount).

2. Expanding U.S. Energy Exports

• With growing U.S. crude exports—especially to Europe and Asia—midstream assets like EPIC are crucial for global energy markets.
• Investors in upstream oil & gas (exploration and production) benefit from improved infrastructure, as it ensures steady demand and pricing for Permian crude.

3. Favorable Environment Under Pro-Oil Policies

• Under a Trump presidency, we can expect reduced regulatory hurdles, faster permitting, and policies favoring pipeline development and energy exports.
• Less government interference in the industry means higher profitability for private oil and gas projects, particularly those leveraging midstream infrastructure like EPIC.

4. Midstream Investment Opportunities

• The pipeline itself represents a strong midstream investment opportunity, benefiting from long-term contracts with producers and refiners.
• Investors looking for stable cash flow and lower risk compared to upstream drilling might consider midstream assets, pipeline operators, or energy infrastructure funds.

5. Boosting Private Investment in Oil & Gas Projects

• Accredited investors partnering with private oil & gas firms—like Aresco LP—can leverage pipelines like EPIC to ensure efficient transportation of crude from drilling projects to market.
• The pipeline’s presence encourages more exploration and drilling, increasing the demand for capital in direct participation oil and gas programs.

Be sure to follow Aresco on LinkedIn!

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Upstream Midstream Downstream – What is the Difference?

Permian Pipeline Projects Look to Bypass Looming Bottleneck

Crude Oil Investing: A Guide for Accredited Investors