For more than 60 years, our story has been one of ambition, innovation, and delivering the energy that moves our country forward. In 1962, we set out with a bold vision and high expectations, breaking ground on what would become the largest products pipeline by volume ever built. We filled the first 1,000-mile section of the pipeline within a year and, just a year after that, the entire Colonial Pipeline system was operational from Houston to Linden, N.J.
Innovation has powered us since the early days. We were the first in our industry to generate schedules from digital computers and ever since, technology has made us safer, smarter, and more efficient. From moving 10 million gallons per day in 1963 to more than 100 million gallons per day today, we’ve continued to grow, expand, and diversify our business.
Timeline
Journey through Colonial’s key milestones dating back to our origination.
1961
Nine major petroleum refiners come together to create a Gulf Coast to East Coast pipeline company. The company is originally named Suwannee Pipeline Company.
1962
On June 20, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Luther H. Hodges, is the featured speaker at Colonial’s groundbreaking in Powder Springs, Ga. Construction of the largest-diameter products pipeline system in existence will require more than 50 contractors working for 2.5 years. The pipeline will consume 650,000 tons of steel and require 16.7 million cubic yards of dirt be trenched to bury the line. The cost of initial construction is $370 million.
In October, Georgia Tech Research Institute designs a computational process that duplicates manual scheduling, making Colonial the first pipeline to generate schedules from digital computers.
1963
The first 1,000-mile section of the pipeline is ready to be filled. The first product reaches Greensboro, N.C., on November 30 at the end of the 36-inch portion of the line. Product is moving at the rate of 240,000 barrels a day.
1964
Linden Junction Tank Farm and Delivery Facility, the northern terminus of the mainline, is activated and mainline construction is complete. The Colonial system is operational from Houston to Linden, N.J., by December 18.
1971
The board approves installing 36-inch pipe parallel to the mainline from Baton Rouge, La. to Atlanta Junction and adding six stations. This marks the beginning of a project to loop the mainline in five stages over the course of nine years.
1980
In fall 1980, the three-year, $670 million expansion program nears completion. Colonial now has 83 percent more pipeline than originally constructed.
1987
Colonial celebrates its 25th anniversary, having grown from serving its owner companies to serving 79 shippers and 67 suppliers and consignees.
1996
Colonial launches the sophisticated elastic-wave “pig” to detect microscopic cracks in pipe wall.
1998
Colonial replaces Pipeline Instruction and Proficiency Examination (PIPE) with a state-of-the-art, computer-based training program for operators and technicians.
2001
Colonial sweeps year 2000 environmental and safety awards at the American Petroleum Institute’s annual pipeline conference in San Antonio. Among Colonial’s honors is the first-ever-presented Distinguished Environmental and Safety Award.
2006
Shell Pipeline Company LP teams with Colonial on a new, 75-mile, 24-inch refined products pipeline from Garyville to East Feliciana Parish in Louisiana. Bengal Pipeline begins operating in May.
2012
2015
Colonial announces the purchase of Shell Pipeline Company LP’s interest in the Port Arthur Products Station and Shell Ex Facility, known as PAPS. The terminal adds 3.2 million barrels of tankage to Colonial’s system and offers the potential to provide new services for refiners and shippers within the dynamic Texas Refining Complex.
2016
Colonial launches its first annual “Colonial Cares” day that gives employees the opportunity to partner and support environmental organizations across the pipeline system by engaging in river clean-up activities and state park restoration projects.
2020
Colonial enters the terminal business through the acquisition of three refined product terminals. Branded as Colonial Pipeline Terminals, the terminal business is a natural extension of Colonial’s overall business, providing the opportunity to serve customers in new ways while building and strengthening relationships in the shipper community.
Two of the terminals – located in Charlotte and Chattanooga – are connected to the Colonial Pipeline system, and the other – located in Fredericksburg, Va. – is connected to Products (SE) Pipeline.
2022
Colonial Pipeline adds the ability to transport sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). With this enhancement, Colonial can meet customers’ evolving needs, allowing them to nominate jet fuel that includes SAF from any Colonial origin point to any Colonial destination, including airports.
2023
In January, Colonial welcomes Melanie Little as the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Little is Colonial’s 11th president in the company’s 60-year history.
2023
In May, Colonial celebrates the opening of the new, state-of-the-art Austell Terminal, which provides more than 30,000 barrels of fuel daily to the Metro Atlanta region — more than two-thirds of the fuel delivered to Georgia. The Austell Terminal further enhances Colonial’s ability to serve customers safely and reliably.
The board approves installing 36-inch pipe parallel to the mainline from Baton Rouge, La. to Atlanta Junction and adding six stations. This marks the beginning of a project to loop the mainline in five stages over the course of nine years.
The Future of Colonial Pipeline
Innovation will continue to drive Colonial’s growth, as we work to safely, efficiently, and reliably transport the products fueling daily life. Colonial is focused on continued growth and responsibly serving our customers’ needs while also supporting consumer demands and energy independence through the ongoing energy expansion.
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Pipelines
Pipelines
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Our Operations
Our Operations
We deliver refined petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, home heating oil, as well as fuels designated for the U.S. military.
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