KITIMAT, B.C. – The Gaslog Glasgow eased away from the Kitimat waterfront today, launching Canada’s entry into the global LNG market as the country’s first major cargo of liquefied natural gas is now bound for Asia.
The departure marks the official start of operations at the massive LNG Canada export terminal and signals a new era for Canada’s energy sector and the industrial and community life of Northwest B.C.
“Today is a historic moment for LNG Canada and our five joint venture participants, as well as the Haisla Nation, the District of Kitimat and all of Canada,” said LNG Canada’s President and CEO. “We began with a clear vision: to work side-by-side with First Nations and local communities as the catalyst for a thriving new energy sector in Canada, and to set a new standard for safe and responsible LNG production.”
The Premier of British Columbia said the shipment proves the province can translate its resource potential into long-term economic strength. “At a time when B.C. jobs are under attack, it’s more important than ever that we get our resources to global markets and reduce our reliance on the United States,” he said.
The project’s success was built on a foundation of partnership with local First Nations, most notably the Haisla Nation, on whose traditional territory the facility is located.
“Congratulations to our partner LNG Canada on this monumental day,” said the Haisla Nation’s Chief Councillor. “This milestone is a testament to what can happen when industry elevates and respects the role of Indigenous communities in major projects. Our people, our country and the world are better off today, and will be for decades to come.”
The Mayor of Kitimat also praised the project’s execution. “When you have such a large project in such a small community, it’s been really amazing how LNG Canada did all the pre-planning to make sure any negative effects would be as small as possible,” he said.
During its construction, the project awarded over $4.9 billion in contracts to Indigenous-owned and local B.C. businesses, including a landmark $500-million agreement with HaiSea Marine, a joint venture between the Haisla Nation and Seaspan.
As the first shipment makes its way to customers in Asia, LNG Canada says it will continue to assess a potential Phase 2 expansion that could double the terminal’s output, solidifying Kitimat’s new title as the LNG capital of Canada.
