The Wink to Webster Pipeline, operated by ExxonMobil, is one of the most critical crude oil transportation systems in North America, linking the prolific Permian Basin to key Gulf Coast refining and export hubs. Spanning over 640 miles with a 1.5 million barrels per day capacity, the pipeline was developed through a joint venture to meet growing demand for safe, efficient, and high-volume takeaway from West Texas. Since entering full service in 2023, the system has enabled ExxonMobil and its partners to exert greater control over Permian production flows, optimize refinery supply chains, and enhance export capabilities—solidifying its role as a cornerstone of U.S. midstream infrastructure.
✅ Wink to Webster Pipeline – Official Overview (Permit #10053)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Operator Name | Wink to Webster Pipeline LLC |
| Economic & Pipeline Owner | Wink to Webster Pipeline LLC |
| Permit Type | Renewal (most recent as of June 2024) |
| Permit Number | 10053 |
| Commodity Transported | Liquid (Crude Oil) |
| Classification | Common Carrier (allows eminent domain rights under Texas law) |
| Valid Until | July 31, 2025 |
| Current Permitted Miles | 521.71 (Regulated Miles = 521.71; Unregulated Miles = 0.00) |
| Counties Traversed | 19 Texas counties including Midland, Glasscock, Harris, Fort Bend, Wharton |
| Amendment Code Types | NC (New Construction), TM (Transfer Merge), OM (Other Modification) |
| Latest Form Contact | Arthur Morgan (ExxonMobil Pipeline Co.) – (281) 755‑3984 |
🗺️ Counties Included (Partial List)
- Permian Basin: Midland, Glasscock, Sterling, Coke, Concho
- Gulf Coast Access: Harris, Fort Bend, Wharton, Brazoria
- Central Texas Routing: Burnet, Lee, Fayette, Washington, McCulloch
🏗️ Project Highlights from Filing
- Declared Eminent Domain: Yes (as a common carrier pipeline in Texas)
- System Name in Permit: Wink to Webster Crude System
- Initial Permitted Mileage (2020): 509.13 miles
- Current Permitted Mileage (2024): 521.71 miles – showing system expansion
Here’s a refined overview of the Wink to Webster Pipeline operated by ExxonMobil:
📐 Infrastructure & Ownership
- Route & Size: A 642–650 mile, 36‑inch crude oil pipeline starting from both Wink and Midland, Texas, extending to deliver in Webster, Baytown, Beaumont, and connections near Texas City—all along the Gulf Coast
- Capacity: Designed for up to 1.5 million barrels per day, making it the largest capacity pipeline out of the Permian Basin
- Operation: Operated by ExxonMobil Pipeline Company on behalf of Wink to Webster Pipeline LLC, a joint venture that includes ExxonMobil affiliates, Plains All American Pipeline, MPLX, Delek US, Lotus Midstream, and Rattler Midstream Enterprise holds a separate 29% undivided interest via a connected Midland‑to‑ECHO segment (not part of the JV)
🚧 Project Timeline
- Midland → Webster + Webster → Baytown: Commercial service began October 2020
- Wink → Midland segment came online in October 2023, completing the full system from Wink
🛢️ Volumes & Utilization
- In May 2025, W2W (excluding Enterprise’s portion) averaged ~896 Mb/d, plus ~449 Mb/d via M2E‑3, totaling ~1.35 MMb/d—about 93% of its 1.5 MMb/d capacity
- Flows dip occasionally (e.g., during planned maintenance), but remain near maximum utilization
🎯 Strategic Importance
- Serves a key role in Alaska production logistics, offering ExxonMobil tight control over crude quality, blending, and direct access from production wells to its Gulf Coast refineries (e.g., Baytown, Beaumont, Webster)
- Supports ExxonMobil’s Permian footprint, bolstered by the Pioneer acquisition (May 2024), doubling Permian acreage and making ExxonMobil the basin’s top producer
💰 Financing & Tariffs
- Financed with US $621 million in bank loans secured in early 2020
- Tariffs (effective July 1 2024) range ~311–347¢/barrel uncommitted, with significant volume discounts for committed shippers and quality/segment-based differentials .
🌍 Environmental & Community Measures
- Constructed using American steel, aims to reduce heavy truck traffic, and pledges community and environmental safety and stewardship .
🔍 Summary
ExxonMobil’s Wink to Webster pipeline strategically operates as North America’s highest-capacity link between the Permian Basin and Gulf Coast refining capacity. With full downstream integration, strategic JV ownership, strong utilization, and advantageous economics, it plays an essential role in U.S. petroleum infrastructure—backed by careful planning, robust financial support, and community coverage.
