A British Columbia firm is part of a collaboration that has secured a significant contract for the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission initiative. The partnership between the Nisga’a Nation and Western LNG has appointed the Surerus Murphy Joint Venture to construct the initial section of the new pipeline, connecting northeastern B.C. to the Ksi Lisims LNG facility on the north coast. With prior involvement in projects like the Coastal GasLink and TransMountain expansions, as well as the ongoing construction of the Eagle Mountain pipeline for Woodfibre LNG, Surerus Murphy was selected based on its track record and local expertise in developing major infrastructure in the region.
Sean Surerus, the president of Surerus Pipeline, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s impact on the business, the northeastern B.C. area, and the province as a whole. Eva Clayton, the president of Nisga’a Lisims Government, emphasized the commitment to utilizing Canadian businesses and local companies in the project, with a focus on promoting Indigenous participation in hiring and contracting activities to retain economic benefits within British Columbia.
Surerus Murphy is tasked with constructing approximately 193 kilometers of pipeline between Chetwynd and Mackenzie, operating in proximity to Highway 97 before diverting towards the coast. The company’s familiarity with the challenging terrain, including mountains, valleys, rivers, and creeks, equips them to effectively manage construction impacts. This localized knowledge minimizes potential surprises compared to international contractors, making the project smoother to execute.
On a separate note, Allseas, a Swiss-based company, has been assigned to lay the subsea pipeline at the project’s conclusion. The Western LNG spokesperson, Rebecca Scott, revealed that a final investment decision on the Ksi Lisims project is slated by year-end. With half of the 12-million tonne annual output already secured by buyers, additional agreements and construction updates are anticipated. Scott highlighted the anticipation and support from local communities for the project’s advancement, underscoring the importance of partnering with experienced local firms to maximize opportunities and benefits in the region.
If the final investment decision proceeds as planned, construction on the facility and pipeline is expected to commence in early 2027, marking a significant milestone for the project’s progression.