Voyager Midstream Holdings, a portfolio company of Pearl Energy Investments, has announced the acquisition of natural gas gathering and processing assets from Phillips 66, a move that places Voyager at the heart of the highly productive Haynesville Shale. This strategic purchase marks a significant milestone for the Houston-based midstream company, which was founded in 2023 and is already making waves in the North American energy sector.
The assets included in the acquisition are located across Texas’ Panola, Rusk, and Harrison counties, as well as Caddo Parish in Louisiana. These areas are part of the prolific Haynesville Shale, one of the largest and most productive natural gas basins in the United States. With this acquisition, Voyager gains approximately 550 miles of natural gas pipelines, a network that will enable the company to gather and transport gas efficiently across a key region for U.S. energy production.
Additionally, Voyager now controls 400 million cubic feet per day of active cryogenic gas processing capacity, a critical component for separating valuable natural gas liquids (NGLs) from raw natural gas. Furthermore, the deal includes a fractionation capacity of 12,000 barrels per day for processing NGLs, making this acquisition even more valuable for Voyager’s long-term growth strategy. The ability to fractionate NGLs into marketable products like ethane, propane, and butane adds another revenue stream to the company’s operations.
Perhaps one of the most significant elements of this acquisition is Voyager’s new control of the Carthage Hub. This integrated natural gas trading and delivery hub has a handling capacity of over one billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d), making it a crucial part of the natural gas infrastructure in the region. The Carthage Hub is strategically interconnected with multiple markets across the United States, including premium liquefied natural gas (LNG) markets in Texas and Louisiana. This connectivity allows Voyager to tap into high-demand regions for natural gas, particularly as the LNG market continues to grow in importance with increasing exports to international buyers.
“This transaction with Phillips 66 represents an important milestone for Voyager, as it positions us for significant growth in the core of the Haynesville Shale,” said Will Harvey, Voyager’s CEO. “We are committed to growing our infrastructure footprint in East Texas and North Louisiana and improving producer connectivity and netbacks.”
With its growing infrastructure footprint, Voyager is well-positioned to become a key player in the midstream sector, especially in a region as vital as the Haynesville Shale. The shale play has gained prominence due to its proximity to the Gulf Coast, home to many LNG export terminals, and the increasing demand for natural gas as a cleaner alternative to coal in power generation.
Voyager’s operational focus on safety, environmental stewardship, and community engagement is also an essential part of its growth strategy. “As a company, Voyager is committed to safety, environmental stewardship, and giving back to the communities where we work and live. We are honored to welcome Phillips 66’s East Texas employees into the Voyager family as part of this acquisition,” said Martin McHale, Voyager’s chief operating officer.
Pearl Energy Investments, the private equity firm backing Voyager, also expressed optimism about the deal’s potential to drive future growth. With approximately $2 billion in committed capital under management, Pearl Energy Investments focuses on partnering with proven management teams to identify and invest in energy infrastructure opportunities across North America. The firm’s typical investment range spans $25 million to $150 million in equity capital, and Voyager’s acquisition falls well within this scope.
“Voyager’s acquisition of these high-quality assets positions the company for growth and success within the Haynesville, one of the preeminent shale plays with strategic connectivity to the U.S. Gulf Coast,” said Stewart Coleman, partner at Pearl Energy Investments. “We look forward to supporting the Voyager team as they continue to safely operate, develop, and further commercialize this critical infrastructure.”
The Haynesville Shale has become a key area for natural gas production in recent years due to its high-quality reserves and strategic location. As the global energy landscape shifts toward a greater emphasis on natural gas, particularly for its role in reducing carbon emissions, companies like Voyager stand to benefit from increasing demand for U.S. natural gas both domestically and internationally.
Voyager’s acquisition of Phillips 66’s assets enhances its ability to provide essential midstream services in the Haynesville region, ensuring the efficient transportation, processing, and delivery of natural gas. With its new infrastructure capabilities, Voyager is poised to play a crucial role in supporting the region’s energy needs while capitalizing on growing opportunities in the LNG market.
In summary, this acquisition is a significant move for Voyager Midstream as it establishes a foothold in one of the most important natural gas plays in North America. By gaining control of key infrastructure assets, including pipelines, processing facilities, and the Carthage Hub, Voyager is well-positioned for future growth in the midstream sector. With strong backing from Pearl Energy Investments, the company is set to continue expanding its presence in the energy market, particularly as demand for natural gas increases in the years to come.
