ONEOK Inc., WhiteWater, MPLX LP and Enbridge Inc. have joined forces within the Matterhorn joint venture to develop a major new infrastructure linking the Permian Basin in Texas to the Gulf Coast. The project, named the Eiger Express Pipeline, aims to address the continuous growth of natural gas production in the region. Spanning approximately 450 miles with a diameter of 42 inches, the pipeline will be capable of transporting up to 2.5 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas.
An infrastructure to connect the Permian Basin to markets
The Eiger Express Pipeline will source natural gas from multiple processing facilities, including those operated by ONEOK and MPLX, as well as from various connection points located in the Midland and Delaware sub-basins. The mainline will head toward the Katy area near Houston while reserving part of its capacity for deliveries to Corpus Christi. This configuration is designed to strengthen supply to areas with high energy demand.
The consortium has agreed on a specific equity structure: Matterhorn holds 70% of the project, while ONEOK and MPLX each retain 15%. Taking into account its participation in Matterhorn, ONEOK holds a total ownership interest of 25.5% in the infrastructure. WhiteWater, already active in several gas projects in Texas, will be responsible for the construction and operation of the pipeline.
Long-term contracts to secure volumes
To ensure the financial viability of the project, the partners have committed to firm transportation agreements with a minimum duration of ten years. These contracts secure stable flow commitments and allow operators to obtain the necessary financing for construction. The schedule anticipates commissioning around 2028, subject to the receipt of customary regulatory approvals.
The initiative is part of a broader trend of strengthening natural gas infrastructure connecting domestic production zones to liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals. As electricity demand and international LNG requirements continue to rise, such projects highlight the strategic importance of links between the Permian Basin and the Texas coast.
