The Nisga’a Nation and Western LNG are working to amend the route of their Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) project in British Columbia (BC) as early site work begins this month.
The Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government and Houston-based Western LNG recently disclosed that the partnership had selected Bechtel Group to manage construction of the pipeline connecting Montney Shale gas supply to its proposed Ksi Lisims LNG export project.
“We are keenly aware of our responsibility to establish a new and improved approach to linear infrastructure development in Canada and partnering with industry-leading experts will help us make PRGT the best project it can be,” Western LNG CEO Davis Thames said.
An agreement with TC Energy Corp. for the purchase of the pipeline project closed in June.
Ksi Lisims is a proposed 12 million metric tons/year joint-venture project proposed near the community of Gingolx on the BC coast by the Nisga’a Nation, Rockies LNG Ltd. and Western LNG. Earlier in the year, the Ksi Lisim partners selected Samsung Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. and Black and Veatch to construct its floating LNG (FLNG) unit that will be at the center of liquefied natural gas exports at the facility.
Crews will commence construction activity on the pipeline project soon as the project partners try to align the system’s completion with Ksi Lisim’s targeted startup in 2028, according to the partners. The joint venture previously guided for a final investment decision for Ksi Lisim and the start up of construction by the end of the year.
Through the rest of the year, crews are expected to begin work on bridges and roads to the pipeline worksite, development of worker housing and land clearing and grading. Early site work is being led by BC-based construction company Ledcor Group.
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While Ksi Lisims LNG awaits a final environmental approval from the BC government, the Prince Rupert system has been fully permitted.
The Nisga’a Nation and Western LNG are planning to request an amendment to the project’s certification that would allow for an alternative delivery point at Wil Milit on Pearse Island, where the system would connect to the export terminal.
The developers noted the alternation would eliminate more than 60 miles of marine pipe previously outlined in the design and bypass wetland crossings and indigenous heritage sites.
“PRGT is our chance as Indigenous people to develop a pipeline project in our own way, to show how it can and should be done,” Nisga’a Lisims Government President Eva Clayton said. ”By working together, and with world-leading construction managers, we’re confident this project will set a new bar for environmental protection and leave a legacy of prosperity for Nations across BC.”
NGI is tracking more than 16 mmty of Canadian LNG projects currently under construction, including the Shell-led LNG Canada project, as well as more than 36 mmty in proposed projects.
