- Fluor and JGC Corp have completed and launched Canada’s first large-scale LNG export facility in Kitimat, British Columbia, marking a significant milestone in the country’s energy export sector.
- The project will produce up to 14 million tonnes annually and set global standards for low-emission LNG production.
On Wednesday, July 23, Fluor Corporation said that LNG Canada shipped its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) export cargo from its newly built terminal in Kitimat, British Columbia. This marks a historic moment in Canada’s energy export history.
Fluor and its joint venture partner, Japan’s JGC Corporation, have led the facility’s engineering, procurement, fabrication, construction, and commissioning since 2018. The terminal is located in the Haisla Nation’s traditional territory.
“This milestone represents years of collaboration, innovation, and world-class execution,” said Mike Alexander, president of Fluor’s Energy Solutions business group. “We’re proud to deliver the first phase of this facility safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.”
Furthermore, the LNG Canada plant is the country’s first central LNG export terminal, producing up to 14 million tonnes of LNG annually. Located on the Pacific Coast with access to an ice-free harbour and abundant natural gas resources, the facility will export LNG under a 40-year license.
“This project sets the global standard for responsible LNG development,” said Pierre Bechelany, president of Fluor’s LNG & Power unit. “Its design enables the lowest emissions profile of any comparable large-scale LNG plant worldwide.”
Meanwhile, JGC Fluor accelerated the project timeline using a modular fabrication approach. While crews prepared the site, contractors fabricated over 215 modules off-site between January 2022 and July 2023. The largest modules reached 45 meters in width and 47 meters in height. The team also built the world’s second-largest LNG storage tank, measuring 56 meters tall and capable of holding 225,000 cubic meters of LNG.
Fluor’s project director, James Ticer, credited over 35,000 workers for delivering the first phase while meeting rigorous safety, sustainability, and environmental standards. “Our commitment to local economic growth and Indigenous inclusion played a central role,” he said. “JGC Fluor and our subcontractors spent CAD 3.3 billion with Indigenous businesses and joint ventures, and nearly $200 million with local businesses.”
In addition, LNG Canada is a joint venture between Shell, Petronas, Mitsubishi Corporation, PetroChina and KOGAS. JGC Fluor will continue supporting the project through commissioning and operational readiness services.
Fluor has operated in Canada for over 75 years, supporting large-scale energy, mining, infrastructure, and industrial developments nationwide.