A British Columbia firm is part of a collaborative effort that has secured a significant deal for the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission initiative. The Surerus Murphy Joint Venture, comprised of the Nisga’a Nation and Western LNG, will undertake the construction of the initial portion of the new pipeline connecting northeastern B.C. to Ksi Lisims LNG on the northern coast.
Having previously worked on segments of projects like Coastal GasLink and TransMountain expansion, as well as currently being involved in the Eagle Mountain pipeline for Woodfibre LNG, the joint venture was selected for its expertise and familiarity with major infrastructure development in B.C.
Sean Surerus, the president of Surerus Pipeline headquartered in Fort St. John and a partner in the joint venture with U.K.-based J. Murphy and Sons, expressed enthusiasm for the economic prospects this endeavor presents for both the business and the region.
The president of Nisga’a Lisims Government, Eva Clayton, emphasized the commitment to engage Canadian businesses and local companies in the project’s construction. It is mandated that contractors devise an Indigenous participation plan for recruitment and subcontracting, ensuring that benefits remain within British Columbia.
Swiss company Allseas has been tasked with laying the subsea pipeline at the project’s terminus, while Surerus Murphy will be responsible for constructing approximately 193 kilometers of pipeline between Chetwynd and Mackenzie, operating in proximity to Highway 97 before veering towards the coast.
The construction company’s familiarity with the challenging terrain and experience in managing construction impacts in rugged environments were highlighted by Surerus. He underscored the preparedness of their crews to navigate the diverse landscape and weather conditions, minimizing the likelihood of unforeseen challenges faced by international contractors working in Canada.
In parallel, Rebecca Scott, a spokesperson for Western LNG, revealed that the final investment decision for the Ksi Lisims project is slated for the year’s end. With half of the proposed $30-billion export facility’s 12-million tonne annual output already secured by buyers, further agreements and construction updates are anticipated, signaling positive prospects for the region.
A favorable final investment decision would trigger the commencement of construction on the facility and pipeline in early 2027, marking a significant milestone for the project and the local economy.