Matterhorn JV partners launch Eiger Express Pipeline

ONEOK, Inc., WhiteWater, MPLX LP and Enbridge Inc., through the Matterhorn joint venture, announced plans to develop the Eiger Express Pipeline, a new long-haul natural gas system designed to move growing Permian Basin production to the Texas Gulf Coast.

The 450-mile, 42-inch-diameter pipeline will transport up to 2.5 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of natural gas from processing facilities and pipeline connections in the Midland and Delaware basins to the Katy area near Houston. The system will also provide reserved capacity for deliveries to Corpus Christi, offering direct connectivity to LNG export facilities and other demand centers.

Joint ownership and project structure

The Eiger Express Pipeline will be owned 70% by the Matterhorn JV, 15% by ONEOK and 15% by MPLX. ONEOK’s total ownership interest will amount to 25.5%, reflecting its share in Matterhorn JV. WhiteWater, which operates the Matterhorn Express system, will construct and operate Eiger Express as well. The pipeline is supported by firm transportation agreements with contract terms of 10 years or longer.

“This important infrastructure project is needed to provide additional transportation capacity out of the highly productive Permian Basin,” said Pierce H. Norton II, president and CEO of ONEOK. “Its strategic location offers connectivity to growing natural gas demand markets, helping to meet the need for increasing electricity generation and international demand for liquefied natural gas exports.”

The project is expected to be completed in mid-2028, pending regulatory and other approvals.

Expanding Gulf Coast connectivity

Eiger Express adds to the Matterhorn JV’s existing portfolio of pipelines linking the Permian Basin with the Gulf Coast. These systems are designed to serve both domestic gas demand and the rapidly expanding LNG export market.

To alleviate bottlenecks, numerous pipelines are either operational or under development:

Matterhorn Express (2.5 Bcf/d) already serves the Houston area PGJ OnlineEnerKnol.

Apex Pipeline (2 Bcf/d) and Blackcomb Pipeline (2.5 Bcf/d), both expected online by 2026, target Port Arthur and Agua Dulce respectively PGJ OnlineEnerKnol.

Saguaro Connector (2.8 Bcf/d) will reach the U.S.–Mexico border by 2027–2028