A British Columbia (B.C.) firm is part of a collaboration that successfully secured a significant contract for the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission initiative. The Surerus Murphy Joint Venture, involving the Nisga’a Nation and Western LNG, will construct the initial section of the new pipeline connecting northeastern B.C. to Ksi Lisims LNG on the northern coast.
Having previously worked on sections of the Coastal GasLink and TransMountain expansion projects, as well as currently being engaged in the construction of the Eagle Mountain pipeline for Woodfibre LNG, the joint venture was selected based on its track record and local expertise in developing major infrastructure in B.C.
Sean Surerus, the President of Surerus Pipeline located in Fort St. John and one of the partners in the joint venture with U.K.-based J. Murphy and Sons, expressed enthusiasm for the economic benefits this project will bring to the region and the province. Eva Clayton, the President of Nisga’a Lisims Government, emphasized the commitment to utilizing Canadian businesses and local companies for the project, with a focus on Indigenous participation in hiring and contracting.
Swiss company Allseas has been tasked with laying the subsea pipeline at the project’s endpoint, while Surerus Murphy will be responsible for constructing approximately 193 kilometers of pipeline between Chetwynd and Mackenzie, operating in proximity to Highway 97 before diverting towards the coast. The company highlighted its familiarity with the challenging terrain and its ability to effectively manage construction impacts in such environments.
Western LNG’s spokesperson, Rebecca Scott, mentioned that a final investment decision for the Ksi Lisims project is anticipated by the year’s end. With buyers secured for half of the facility’s 12-million tonne annual output and more deals and construction updates on the horizon, Scott emphasized the local community’s anticipation for the project’s realization and the benefits it will bring to the area.
Should a positive final investment decision be reached, construction on the facility and pipeline is projected to commence in early 2027, signaling a significant development for the region.