A British Columbia company is part of a partnership that successfully secured a significant contract for the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission project. The Surerus Murphy Joint Venture, involving the Nisga’a Nation and Western LNG, will construct the initial section of the new pipeline from northeastern B.C. to Ksi Lisims LNG on the north coast.

Having previously worked on portions of the Coastal GasLink and TransMountain expansion projects, as well as the ongoing construction of the Eagle Mountain pipeline for Woodfibre LNG, the joint venture was selected based on its expertise and local experience in developing major infrastructure projects in British Columbia.

Sean Surerus, the president of Surerus Pipeline based in Fort St. John, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s economic benefits for the region and the province. Eva Clayton, president of Nisga’a Lisims Government, emphasized the commitment to utilizing Canadian businesses and local firms for the project, ensuring that Indigenous participation plans are in place for hiring and contracting.

Allseas, a Swiss-based company, has been tasked with laying the subsea pipeline at the project’s endpoint. Surerus Murphy will construct approximately 193 kilometers of pipeline between Chetwynd and Mackenzie, operating near Highway 97 before veering towards the coast. With a strong familiarity with the rugged terrain, the construction crews are well-prepared to manage and mitigate any construction challenges in the area.

Western LNG spokesperson Rebecca Scott disclosed that a final investment decision for the Ksi Lisims project is anticipated by the year’s end. The $30-billion export facility has already secured buyers for half of its 12-million tonne annual output, with additional deals and construction announcements forthcoming.

The involvement of a local company with extensive experience and relationships demonstrates a commitment to maximizing opportunities and benefits for the northern region. A positive final investment decision would lead to the commencement of construction on the facility and pipeline in early 2027.