LNG Canada ships first cargo to Asia

LNG Canada has marked a key milestone with the first shipment of liquefied natural gas departing its facility in Kitimat, B.C., bound for Asia.

The shipment comes nearly six years after the consortium made its final investment decision in October 2018, agreeing to meet the province’s conditions for LNG development, including local jobs and benefits for Indigenous and regional communities.

Since construction began, more than 50,000 Canadians have contributed to building Phase 1 of the project, with the Coastal GasLink pipeline employing more than 25,000 people. Operations have already created over 300 full-time, permanent jobs.

LNG Canada says it has awarded over $5.8 billion in contracts and subcontracts to businesses in B.C., including $4.9 billion to Indigenous-owned and local area companies. One major deal includes a $500-million contract with HaiSea Marine, a joint venture between the Haisla Nation and North Vancouver-based Seaspan, providing tugboat services with a battery-powered fleet.

The company has also invested more than $10 million in workforce development and contributed over $13 million to community programs and housing initiatives in Kitimat, Terrace and nearby First Nations.

“Congratulations to our partner LNG Canada on this monumental day,” said Haisla Nation Chief Councillor Crystal Smith. “This milestone is a testament to what can happen when industry elevates and respects the role of Indigenous communities in major projects.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney added, “Canada has what the world needs. With LNG Canada’s first shipment to Asia, Canada is exporting its energy to reliable partners, diversifying trade and reducing global emissions — all in partnership with Indigenous Peoples.”

Shell, one of LNG Canada’s joint venture participants, said the project demonstrates responsible energy development with lasting community benefits.

LNG Canada says it continues to explore a potential Phase 2 expansion, which could double the facility’s total capacity to 28 million tonnes per annum.