A new oil pipeline proposed for the Burrard Inlet may be even bigger than expected after the company behind the plan said burgeoning demand warrants a larger upgrade than originally thought.

Kinder Morgan announced Thursday that it will be super-sizing its previously announced plan to twin the TransMountain pipeline by almost 20 per cent, meaning that instead of boosting capacity to 750,000 barrels of crude oil a day from the current 300,000, it will raise the total to 890,000, subject to government approval. The Texas company said it changed its proposal after finding takers for much of that additional volume.

"Thirteen customers in the Canadian producing and oil-marketing business have now signed binding, long-term contracts, which demonstrates the need for this proposed expansion that will serve both existing and new markets," said Ian Anderson, president of Kinder Morgan Canada, in a release.

The $5.4-billion project has met with opposition from those who fear the rise in tanker traffic poses a risk to the inlet. Kinder Morgan has insisted its plan is safe.