NATCHEZ — Officials with Genesis Energy said this week they are considering expanding the company’s Natchez operations.

Genesis Energy President Steve Nathanson made the comment about possible expansion during the company’s quarterly investors’ conference call Thursday.

Genesis broke ground for a loading and unloading terminal in Natchez last year after partnering with Southern Pacific Resource Corporation to move bitumen products from the Canadian oil sands through the Natchez-Adams County Port using both rail and barge.

The company reported that the Natchez terminal was commissioned with the first cars with the Canadian oil products in January.

“Barge shipments from our integrated docks to our refinery customers along the Mississippi River are now operational as well,” Nathanson said. “By the end of May, we will be capable of efficiently handling 40 cars a day.”

The potential expansion is in the planning stage, he said.

“Plans, as well as discussions with potential customers, are under way to possibly expand Natchez to handle full unit trains,” Nathanson said.

When Genesis announced it would open its Natchez terminal, officials said it would move 20,000 rail cars through the port annually.