PRGT advancing under new ownership; leading construction firms retained

(VANCOUVER, B.C.) – On June 21st, a joint venture between the Nisga’a Nation and Western LNG concluded a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission project (“PRGT”) with former owner TC Energy. The new ownership team is actively working on key next steps which include bringing on new world-class construction management, continuing with a planned summer 2024 construction program, advancing a pipeline route amendment, continuing constructive dialogue with First Nations along the route, and overall, applying learnings from past projects to improve plans and increase certainty for construction cost, schedule, and quality.

“Today’s update reaffirms our commitment to meaningful actions that respond to feedback we’ve heard from First Nations along the right of way,” said Eva Clayton, President of the Nisga’a Lisims Government. “PRGT is our chance as Indigenous people to develop a pipeline project in our own way, to show how it can and should be done. By working together, and with world-leading construction managers, we’re confident this project will set a new bar for environmental protection and leave a legacy of prosperity for Nations across B.C.”

Bechtel, a leading engineering, procurement, and construction company, has been selected to oversee and manage the execution of the PRGT natural gas pipeline. With global expertise developing complex landmark projects, including having built more than 85,000 kilometers of pipeline, enough to encircle the world twice, Bechtel’s strategic partnership underscores a shared commitment to delivering the PRGT project with a high standard for excellence. Their leadership will play a pivotal role in improving cost and schedule outcomes for the PRGT project. In addition, B.C.-based construction company Ledcor has been retained to support the 2024 work plan.

“We are keenly aware of our responsibility to establish a new and improved approach to linear infrastructure development in Canada and partnering with industry-leading experts will help us make PRGT the best project it can be,” said Davis Thames, CEO of Western LNG. “As a firm renowned for its expertise in engineering and construction management, we are confident in Bechtel’s ability to get the job done right. From the Hoover Dam to the Chunnel to NASA’s shuttle launch pad, they have earned trust delivering complex projects that stand the test of time.”

“As the Nisga’a Nation and Western LNG lead this initiative, Bechtel is honored to lend our global pipeline expertise to help make their vision a reality,” said Paul Marsden, President of Bechtel Energy. “This is an exciting opportunity to showcase how major energy infrastructure can and should be developed in partnership with Indigenous communities. Together we will deliver this critical project to the highest standards of safety and environmental projection, creating jobs, supporting economic development, and setting a new benchmark for responsible energy infrastructure development in Canada.”

Construction activities will commence in August on Nisga’a Nation Lands, that meet the BC Environmental Assessment Office’s requirements for project timelines and align the PRGT construction timeline with the Ksi Lisims LNG development schedule. Construction activities in 2024 include, but are not limited to, extensive bridge and road construction, worker housing development, clearing and grading, and establishment of laydown yards and construction offices. Ledcor will lead this phase of construction work, bringing invaluable experience building similar infrastructure in northern B.C.

The project team is also advancing an amendment to the pipeline’s Environmental Assessment Certificate that would alter the routing at its western end. This route change adds a delivery point at Wil Milit on Pearse Island, where the Ksi Lisims LNG project will be located. The change reflects feedback received from coastal Nations and will shorten the marine portion of the pipeline by 100km. In addition to improving constructability and connecting to the Ksi Lisims LNG project, the re-route has considerable environmental benefits, namely, reducing the number of wetlands crossed, heritage sites affected, and areas of intertidal marine habitat disturbed.

About the Nisga’a Nation / Western LNG joint venture:

The Nisga’a Nation and Western LNG are dedicated to promoting Indigenous participation and ownership in the energy sector. Committed to sustainable development and economic empowerment, the joint venture aims to create a lasting positive impact within First Nations communities across northern B.C.

About Bechtel:

Bechtel is a trusted engineering, construction and project management partner to industry and government. Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers’ objectives to create a lasting positive impact. Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world’s infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place. Bechtel serves the Energy; Infrastructure; Manufacturing & Technology; Mining & Metals; and Nuclear, Security & Environmental markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start- up and operations. www.bechtel.com

Media enquiries:

Rebecca Scott, Western LNG
rscott@westerning.com

Paul Mercer, Nisga’a Lisims Government
paulm@nisgaanation.ca