The Trans Mountain pipeline , Canada’s only line transporting crude to the West Coast, said it will hold an open season to determine if there is sufficient customer interest to proceed with two expansion projects. The federally owned pipeline is believed to be running nearly full, with a 96 per cent utilization rate on the system as of last November, according to the most recent data published by the Canada Energy Regulator. Trans Mountain Corp. said space on the pipeline is in increasingly high demand and it is looking for shippers to secure contracts for 80 to 90 per cent of capacity through an open season, the industry term for a sign-up period where companies can reserve space on the pipeline to ship oil. The company confirmed Wednesday that it is advancing plans for two expansion projects, including a plan to use chemical additives to reduce friction on the line that could increase flows by as much as 90,000 barrels per day by 2027. A second optimization project could follow, adding another 210,000 barrels per day by the end of 2028. And more projects could be coming over the next year, the company said. “This open season for firm service reflects the strong commercial interest in the Trans Mountain Pipeline System and the confidence our customers have in its long-term value,” Trans Mountain chief executive Mark Maki said in a statement. Trans Mountain readies expansion in 2027 as pipeline space fills upChinese oil buyers pay premium for Canadian crude amid Iran war “We’re going to increase contracted capacity and at the same time, we’re advancing optimization projects that will add more than 30 per cent incremental capacity. Trans Mountain is delivering on its promises to Canada, supporting our customers’ evolving needs, and ensuring our system remains a critical piece of energy infrastructure the country.” Following the close of the open season on June 2, Trans Mountain said it will apply to regulators for approval of its expansion plans. If approved, the expansions will take the pipeline’s capacity from the current 890,000 barrels per day, to 1.19 million barrels per day. • Email: mpotkins@postmedia.com