Enterprise Products has increased the loading rate at its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) export terminal on the Houston Ship Channel from 16,500 bbl/hour to approximately 27,500 bbl/hour of capacity, the company confirmed on Monday.

The incremental capacity was achieved through the completion of a new refrigeration train that increases loading capabilities at the terminal from 9 MMbbl per month to 16 MMbbl per month of LPG, which equates to a total of approximately 29 vessels per month.

“This terminal serves as the premier LPG export facility in the US, and the timing of these expansion projects could not have been better,” said A.J. “Jim” Teague, chief operating officer of Enterprise’s general partner.

 “In addition to meeting the growing international demand for price-advantaged, domestic LPG, the terminal also benefits producers by providing market access and facilitating continued development of US energy supplies," he added.

The LPG terminal expansion is among $7.8 billion in capital growth projects Enterprise expects to complete and bring into service by the end of 2017. These projects, which are supported by long-term contracts, are primarily focused on meeting the needs of demand-side customers, such as petrochemical plants, refineries and international businesses.