CORPUS CHRISTI, TX, USA – The Port of Corpus Christi Commission on December 12, 2017 approved a lease agreement with Vitol Inc. and Harvest Pipeline Company, for lease of a 22-acre tract for development of a state of the art crude oil export terminal on Port property. This project is a joint development between Harvest Pipeline Company (an affiliate of Hipcorp Energy Company) and Vitol Inc. that will support the increased demand of crude oil transportation from South Texas and the Permian Basin to Port Corpus Christi with outstanding access to global markets. “Port Corpus Christi continues to help develop maritime facilities and provide services to customers that are committed to sustainable growth, and building the future of our community,” said John LaRue, Port Corpus Christi Executive Director.  “We are looking forward to growing a long standing relationship with  Vitol and Harvest Pipeline Company with mutual benefits for the future of our region.”  The crude oil terminal development will add to Harvest’s existing South Texas pipeline system providing a new connectivity to their Midway Junction and will provide waterborne access to Permian Basin crude oil going to international markets. Crude oil shippers will have access to the terminal via a 16-inch lateral pipeline. “The agreement between Harvest Pipeline Company and Vitol is an extraordinary opportunity to help satisfy the growing need for export capacity along the Texas Gulf Coast,” said Sean Kolassa, President Harvest Pipeline Company. “We are excited for the project to begin moving forward.” “Crude demand, particulary in emerging markets, continues to grow and U.S. shale has an important role to play in satisfying this demand.  Our new pipeline and terminal will facilitate the efficient delivery of U.S. crude to global markets, thereby increasing marketing opportunities and optimizing value for U.S. producers.” Said Mark Couling head of Crude Oil for Vitol. This project is consistent with the Port of Corpus Christi’s strategic plan goals, among which is to provide facilities and services to meet customer needs and provide surface infrastructure and services in support of maritime and industrial development.