A British Columbia firm is part of a collaboration that has 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 portion of the new pipeline connecting northeastern British Columbia to the Ksi Lisims LNG terminal on the northern coast.
Having previously worked on projects like the Coastal GasLink and TransMountain expansions, as well as the ongoing construction of the Eagle Mountain pipeline for Woodfibre LNG, the Surerus Murphy collaboration was selected based on its expertise and deep understanding of constructing major infrastructure in British Columbia.
President Sean Surerus of Surerus Pipeline, based in Fort St. John, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s potential economic impact on both their business and the region. The joint venture, comprising U.K.-based J. Murphy and Sons, aims to contribute significantly to the local economy and enhance the province’s development.
Eva Clayton, president of Nisga’a Lisims Government, emphasized the nation’s commitment to utilizing Canadian businesses and local contractors for the project, ensuring benefits remain within British Columbia. Contractors will be mandated to formulate Indigenous participation plans for hiring and subcontracting.
The construction company, Surerus Murphy, will be responsible for building around 193 kilometers of pipeline between Chetwynd and Mackenzie, operating close to Highway 97 before veering towards the coast. The company’s familiarity with the rugged terrain and experience managing construction impacts in such environments were highlighted as key strengths for the project.
Swiss-based Allseas has been tasked with laying the subsea pipeline at the project’s conclusion. Surerus expressed confidence in their ability to navigate the challenging landscape, citing their knowledge of the terrain and weather dynamics in the region.
A final investment decision for the Ksi Lisims project is anticipated by the year’s end, according to Western LNG spokesperson Rebecca Scott. The proposed $30-billion export facility has already secured buyers for half of its 12-million tonne annual output, with further deals and construction updates expected in the near future.
Scott emphasized the anticipation and positive outlook of the local community regarding the project’s progression, underlining the commitment to maximizing local opportunities and benefits by engaging experienced regional contractors. If the final investment decision is favorable, construction is slated to commence on the facility and pipeline early in 2027.