A British Columbia company is part of a partnership that has secured a significant contract for the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission project. The Surerus Murphy Joint Venture, consisting of Nisga’a Nation and Western LNG, will construct the initial segment of the new pipeline connecting northeastern B.C. to Ksi Lisims LNG on the north coast.
Having previously worked on portions of the Coastal GasLink and TransMountain expansion projects and currently engaged in the construction of the Eagle Mountain pipeline for Woodfibre LNG, the Surerus Murphy Joint Venture was selected based on its extensive experience and local expertise in developing major infrastructure in B.C.
Sean Surerus, the president of Surerus Pipeline, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s economic benefits for both their business and the province, emphasizing the value of local development. Eva Clayton, the president of Nisga’a Lisims Government, affirmed their commitment to utilizing Canadian businesses and local contractors for the project, ensuring that Indigenous participation plans are implemented for hiring and contracting.
The pipeline construction will cover approximately 193 kilometers from Chetwynd to Mackenzie, with crews from Surerus Murphy well-versed in managing construction challenges in the rugged terrain of the region. Swiss-based Allseas has been tasked with laying the subsea pipeline at the project’s endpoint.
Western LNG’s spokesperson, Rebecca Scott, disclosed that a final investment decision on the Ksi Lisims project is expected by the year-end, with half of the facility’s 12-million tonne annual output already secured by buyers. The project is set to commence construction in early 2027 upon a positive final investment decision.
Local anticipation for the project’s progress and the opportunities it will bring has been high, with the involvement of experienced local companies demonstrating a commitment to maximizing benefits for the region.