The Eiger Express Pipeline has reached a final investment decision, paving the way for a 450-mile system that will move increasing volumes of natural gas from the Permian Basin to the Gulf Coast region, strengthening supply links to one of the nation’s most important energy hubs. The developers have agreed to move forward after securing long-term shipping contracts.
The project, will be able to transport up to 2.5 billion cubic feet per day of gas through a 42-inch system traversing Texas. Supply will be delivered from multiple points of connection within the Midland Basin and from the Delaware Basin through the Agua Blanca Pipeline, which is equally owned by WhiteWater, Enbridge, and MPLX.
WhiteWater and its co-investors, MPLX LP, ONEOK, Inc., and Enbridge Inc., made the project’s ultimate investment choice through their joint venture, Matterhorn. The transaction is supported by fixed transportation obligations from predominantly investment-grade shippers, locking in the project’s commercial foundation.
Equity in the Eiger Express will be split between the developers, with 70 percent majority interest under control of the Matterhorn JV. ONEOK and MPLX bought 15 percent direct interest apiece, with their joint holding reaching 25.5 percent and 22 percent with their stakes in the Matterhorn. The project follows other major investments by ONEOK and MPLX in Texas, including their $1.75 billion partnership on a Texas City export terminal and pipeline.
WhiteWater will build and operate the pipeline. Under regulation approval, the Eiger Express is expected for completion by mid-2028.
Eiger Express Pipeline Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Status: Final Investment Decision Approved
Project Type: Natural Gas Transportation Pipeline
Target Completion: Mid-2028 (pending regulatory approval)
Technical Specifications
Length: 450 miles
Capacity: 2.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day
Pipe Diameter: 42 inches
Geographic Coverage: Across Texas
Route: Permian Basin to Houston market
Supply Sources
Primary Source: Multiple connection points in the Midland Basin
Secondary Source: Delaware Basin via Agua Blanca Pipeline
Agua Blanca Pipeline Ownership: Joint venture between WhiteWater, Enbridge, and MPLX
Project Partners & Ownership Structure
Development Partners
WhiteWater (Lead Developer)
MPLX LP
ONEOK, Inc.
Enbridge Inc.
Ownership Distribution
Matterhorn Joint Venture: 70% majority interest
ONEOK: 15% direct ownership (25.5% total including Matterhorn share)
MPLX: 15% direct ownership (22% total including Matterhorn share)
Commercial Framework
Shipping Contracts: Long-term firm transportation commitments secured
Shipper Profile: Primarily investment-grade companies
Commercial Status: Backed by committed shipping agreements providing strong commercial foundation
Project Management
Construction Lead: WhiteWater
Operations Lead: WhiteWater
Regulatory Status: Pending regulatory approval
Timeline
Investment Decision: Completed
Estimated Completion: Mid-2028
