Enbridge has proposed the Gateway Pipeline Project to ensure sufficient capacity to transport the anticipated increased production from Alberta's oil sands.

Gateway would actually comprise two pipelines: a 36-inch export pipeline that would carry oil from Strathcona County, Alberta, to a new marine terminal in Kitimat, B.C., and a 20-inch import pipeline that would transport condensate from the Kitimat terminal to Strathcona County. Condensate is used in oil refining and to dilute heavy oil for easier transport by pipeline. The capacities would be 525,000 b/d for the export pipeline and 193,000 b/d for the import pipeline. The length of each pipeline would be 715 miles (1,150 km), and both pipelines would be built in the same right-of-way.

The Kitimat terminal, which Enbridge would build, may comprise two tanker berth platforms: one for Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC) (up to 320,000 dwt) and one for condensate tankers (Suezmax, up to 160,000 dwt) and potentially for tugboat berths and anchorage facilities in the area. The terminal's upland facility would include tanks for oil and condensate, along with a pump station.

Subject to commercial support as well as regulatory and other approvals, Enbridge anticipates to place Gateway in service during the 2012-2014 time frame.