Proposed Canada-US pipeline nears commitment threshold

HOUSTON, May 6, 2026 – A proposed pipeline to carry Canadian crude to the US is nearing the minimum shipper commitments needed to proceed, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing four sources familiar with the matter.

Proposed by Canadian pipeline company South Bow and US partner Bridger Pipeline, the project would connect Alberta to Wyoming by reviving approximately 150 kilometres of idle pipe on the Canadian side before connecting to another line proposed by Bridger in Montana and extending about 1,038 kilometres to Guernsey, Wyoming.

If built, the infrastructure could increase Canada’s crude exports to the US by more than 12%, linking Canadian production with US midstream networks serving inland crude hubs and potential onward routes to refining markets.

Oil companies are reported to have made commitments to transport at least 400,000 bpd, or roughly 72% of the pipeline’s expected launch capacity of 550,000 bpd. South Bow and Bridger are seeking additional long-term commitments to reach about 450,000 bpd and meet the 80% threshold that is typically considered enough to proceed with construction.

According to a Bridger filing seen by Reuters, the project could ultimately be able to transport up to 1.13 million bpd.

Committed shippers include Cenovus Energy, Canadian Natural Resources, Tamarack Valley, Whitecap Resources and Strathcona Resources. South Bow and Bridger declined to comment on the commitments, with South Bow adding that the project is still subject to commercial, stakeholder and regulatory evaluations.

South Bow transports crude oil from Western Canada to the US Gulf and Midwest via 4,900 kilometres of pipeline infrastructure, including the Keystone Pipeline System. Bridger operates a pipeline network spanning about 6,400 kilometres in the US.

Photo courtesy of Bridger Pipeline

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