March 5 (Reuters) - Canadian pipeline operator South Bow ( SOBO )

said on Thursday it has launched a formal open season

seeking binding long-term shipping commitments for a revival of

part of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, a move that could boost

Canada's crude exports to the United States by more than 12%.

The open season, which runs until March 30, would solicit

transportation commitments from Hardisty, Alberta, to U.S.

delivery points. South Bow ( SOBO ) will then conduct a 60-day review of

the results before deciding on next steps.

The company is awaiting a approval from the Trump

administration on whether to approve the project. Additional

pipeline links to U.S. refining hubs would need to be

constructed if approval is granted.

South Bow ( SOBO ) took over the Keystone XL pipeline following its

spin-off from TC Energy ( TRP ).

The pipeline was canceled in 2021 by then-President Joe

Biden. The Canadian portion of the line is already built and

holds all necessary Canadian regulatory permits.