Longview port, Haven Energy ‘make progress’ on deal

The Port of Longview and Haven Energy are “finding common commercial ground” in Haven’s proposal to develop a propane/butane export terminal, port officials announced Tuesday. The port has been negotiating with Haven Energy since April.

Although a few points remain to be addressed, “We are making progress and have closed a lot of the gaps,” reported port CEO Geir-Eilif Kalhagen.

He looks forward to presenting a proposed lease to the port commission in the near future, Kalhagen said.

Haven’s proposal would move propane and butane, much of which is currently being flared as waste, to Pacific Rim markets.

The cargo would be transported by rail to the port, refrigerated and stored before being loaded on vessels for export to Hawaii, Mexico and Asia.

Haven Energy estimates its terminal would receive a train every 1½ days and about 30 vessels a year at full operation.

During construction, Haven Energy estimates it will create 2,000 construction jobs with a payroll of $135 million. Once operational, Haven Energy expects it will create between 110 to 125 direct and indirect jobs in Cowlitz County and generate $80 million in local and state tax revenues in its first 20 years of operation.