Melius Energy tests shipping semi-solid bitumen by intermodal rail

Melius Energy announced last week that it successfully shipped bitumen from Edmonton, Alberta, to the Port of Prince Rupert, British Columbia, using custom 20-foot shipping containers transported by rail and ocean vessel.

The shipment was the energy company's first BitCrude^™ transportation process demonstration, which showed Melius Energy's ability to transport bitumen safely and efficiently as required by Canadian regulations, company officials said in a press release.

“Now that we have tested the intermodal transportation method for exporting bitumen, Melius Energy is focused on scaling the BitCrude transportation solution,” said Melius President Nicole Zhang. “Establishing a transportation solution for Canadian energy that delivers tremendous value for local producers while satisfying the demand for our energy internationally is our priority.”

The product that comes out of the BitCrude process is transported as a semi-solid, is designated as a non-dangerous good and non-flammable for transportation purposes, floats in fresh and saltwater in custom-designed shipping containers and is nontoxic to marine life, company officials said.

The BitCrude process uses an electrically diluent recovery unit, avoiding further fossil fuel combustion and requiring no chemicals, additives or diluent. The process creates a safer product and a facility with a reduced greenhouse gas footprint, Melius officials said.

Developed by Cal Broder, BitCrude partnered with Melius Energy to commercialize and market a bitumen transportation solution.