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, involving the Nisga’a Nation and Western LNG, will construct the initial section of the new pipeline stretching from northeastern B.C. to Ksi Lisims LNG on the north coast. Known for its work on various projects such as Coastal GasLink and TransMountain expansion, the joint venture is currently engaged in building the Eagle Mountain pipeline for Woodfibre LNG.
According to Sean Surerus, president of Surerus Pipeline, this development is a major boost for the business and the northeast region of B.C., as well as the province overall. Eva Clayton, president of Nisga’a Lisims Government, emphasized the nation’s commitment to utilizing Canadian businesses and local companies for the project, ensuring that Indigenous participation is integrated into the hiring and contracting process.
The construction company, Surerus Murphy, is tasked with building around 193 kilometers of pipeline between Chetwynd and Mackenzie, operating close to Highway 97 before veering towards the coast. Allseas, a Swiss-based company, has been enlisted to lay the subsea pipeline at the project’s final stretch. Surerus highlighted the familiarity of their crews with the challenging terrain and their expertise in managing construction impacts in the rugged landscape.
Western LNG’s spokesperson, Rebecca Scott, indicated that a final investment decision for the Ksi Lisims project is aimed to be reached by year-end. With half of the facility’s 12-million tonne annual output already secured by buyers, more deals and construction updates are anticipated. Scott expressed optimism about the project’s progress and acknowledged the community’s eagerness for the opportunities it presents.
Should a positive final investment decision be made, construction on the facility and pipeline is slated to commence in early 2027, marking a significant step forward for the project.