A British Columbia company is part of a collaboration that has 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. With prior involvement in projects such as Coastal GasLink, TransMountain expansion, and the ongoing Eagle Mountain pipeline for Woodfibre LNG, the joint venture was selected based on its track record and expertise in developing large-scale infrastructure in British Columbia.
Sean Surerus, the president of Surerus Pipeline in Fort St. John, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s potential impact on the local economy. Emphasizing the importance of leveraging Canadian businesses and local companies, Eva Clayton, president of Nisga’a Lisims Government, highlighted the benefits of working with domestic firms and subcontracting to Indigenous businesses within the region.
Notably, the Swiss-based Allseas will handle the subsea pipeline installation at the project’s endpoint. Surerus Murphy is tasked with constructing around 193 kilometers of pipeline between Chetwynd and Mackenzie, a region adjacent to Highway 97 before veering towards the coast. The company’s familiarity with the rugged terrain and experience in managing construction challenges in the area were cited as key advantages for the project.
Looking ahead, Western LNG spokesperson Rebecca Scott indicated that a final investment decision for the Ksi Lisims project is anticipated by the year’s end. The proposed $30-billion export facility has already secured buyers for half of its 12-million tonne annual output, with further agreements and construction updates expected in the near future.
Anticipation is high among local communities for the project’s progression, with Scott underlining the commitment to local opportunities and benefits through collaboration with experienced regional companies. A positive investment decision would pave the way for construction commencement on the facility and pipeline in early 2027.