LNG Canada and World Oil staff
Fig. 1. The first cargo departs LNG Canada in Kitimat, British Columbia, June 30, 2025. Image: LNG Canada.
LNG Canada has successfully loaded a first cargo of liquefied natural gas that is now destined for global markets, marking the start of operations at Canada’s first large-scale LNG export facility. The LNG cargo shipped from the firm’s export facility on June 30, Fig. 1.
The new LNG Canada export facility is located in Kitimat, British Columbia, in the traditional territory of the Haisla Nation. It is a long-life asset that will initially export LNG from two processing units or “trains,” with a total capacity of 14 million tonnes per annum (mtpa).
“Today is a historic moment for LNG Canada and our five joint venture participants (JVPs), Haisla Nation, the District of Kitimat, British Columbia and all of Canada,” said Chris Cooper, LNG Canada President and CEO, on June 30. “We began with a clear vision: To work side-by-side with First Nations and local communities as the catalyst for a thriving new energy sector in Canada, and to set a new standard for safe and responsible LNG production. As world events continue to demonstrate, a reliable supply of responsibly produced energy should never be taken for granted. We’re proud to be part of the effort to help Canada diversify its export markets and to deliver lower carbon energy to the world, for many decades to come.”
On making its final investment decision in October 2018, LNG Canada agreed to meet the Government of British Columbia’s conditions for LNG development in the province, to provide jobs, training opportunities and additional benefits to residents.
Some of the benefits that LNG Canada has delivered to British Columbians and Canadians over the span of construction include:
More than 50,000 Canadians have directly contributed to building LNG Canada Phase 1. The connecting Coastal GasLink pipeline employed more than 25,000 Canadians. In operations, more than 300 full-time, permanent LNG Canada jobs have been created.
The cumulative value of LNG Canada’s contracts and subcontracts to local, Indigenous and other businesses in B.C. to date has exceeded CAD$5.8 billion; this includes more than CAD$4.9 billion to Indigenous-owned and local area businesses. It includes a CAD$500 million contract with HaiSea Marine, a joint venture between the Haisla Nation and North Vancouver-based Seaspan, providing harbor and escort tugboat services to LNG Canada with its innovative fleet of battery-powered and low emissions vessels.
LNG Canada has, to date, invested more than CAD$10 million in workforce development programs—meaningful trades training and development programs designed to increase the participation of local area residents, Indigenous communities and British Columbians in trades and construction-related activities including but not limited to the LNG Canada project.
LNG Canada also has contributed more than CAD$13 million to programs and equipment benefiting Kitimat, Terrace and First Nations communities, and enabled and supported the addition of new long-term housing in the Kitimat and Terrace region.
LNG Canada and its JVPs continue to explore pathways for a potential Phase 2 expansion, which may include the construction of two additional LNG trains, resulting in a total plant capacity of 28 mtpa.
Each LNG Canada joint venture participant will provide its own natural gas supply and individually offtake and market their respective shares of liquified natural gas from LNG Canada.
Fig. 2. The first LNG Canada shipment to Asia, as it was being maneuvered away from the terminal in Kitimat. Image: LNG Canada.
REACTION FROM GOVERNMENT
This initiation of LNG exports from British Columbia elicited favorable comments from officials on both the federal and provincial level in Canada.
“Canada has what the world needs,” said Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. “With LNG Canada’s first shipment to Asia (Fig. 2), Canada is exporting its energy to reliable partners, diversifying trade, and reducing global emissions — all in partnership with Indigenous Peoples. By turning aspiration into action, Canada can become the world’s leading energy superpower with the strongest economy in the G7.”
British Columbia Premier David Eby was equally enthusiastic. “At a time when B.C. jobs are under attack, it’s more important than ever that we get our resources to global markets and reduce our reliance on the United States. LNG Canada’s first cargo shipment to Asia marks a major milestone in our efforts to build a stronger, more diversified economy that creates those good jobs and makes us all better off. With abundant resources the world needs, and a strategic location to deliver them, shovel-ready projects like this are how B.C. will become the engine of a newly revitalized, more independent, and growing Canada.”
COMMENTS FROM JV PARTICIPANTS
With the first LNG shipment underway, the various LNG Canada JV participants were understandably pleased to reach this milestone. What follows are their various comments.
Shell. “Today marks a significant achievement for LNG Canada, with the first shipment of liquified natural gas departing from the facility on Canada’s west coast,” said Cederic Cremers, Shell’s President for Integrated Gas. “LNG Canada is a testament to how responsible energy development can create lasting and positive impacts for local communities and First Nations while delivering essential energy to the world.”
PETRONAS. “As a customer-focused global energy leader committed to innovation, PETRONAS is proud to be part of LNG Canada—a world-class first-of-its-kind facility. With this new supply node, we are advancing secure, reliable, and responsibly sourced LNG to meet our customer needs and support global energy demand,” said Adif Zulkifli, Executive Vice President and CEO of Gas & Maritime Business, PETRONAS. “This milestone is a result of years of perseverance to realize our vision for Canadian LNG exports to the Asia Pacific region, and we are excited to celebrate this moment with LNG Canada, our other joint venture partners, the Haisla Nation, Kitimat community, and Canadians at large.”
Mitsubishi Corporation. “This first cargo highlights our commitment to providing stable energy supplies to global customers while generating economic and societal value through our LNG project. It’s a proud moment for all involved,” said Masaru Saito, Group CEO of Environmental Energy Group. “This remarkable achievement will contribute, not only to the further development of the local economy, but also to the long-term employment landscape, making it a significant driver for the Canadian economy.”
PetroChina Canada Limited. “PetroChina is proud to be a joint venture participant in this major milestone for Canada’s energy industry and the global energy transition,” said Zhiyong Liu, President and CEO of PetroChina Canada. “The production of LNG Canada represents the culmination of world-class technological integration and a new chapter in global energy collaboration. It will play a vital role in stabilizing global energy supply and accelerating the path to a lower carbon future.”
KOGAS. “The first cargo from LNG Canada represents a monumental milestone for our partners and demonstrates the strong commitment of British Columbia and Canada and the strong participation of First Nations and local communities,” said Yeonhye Choi, President and CEO, KOGAS. “We congratulate our partners and stakeholders and express our gratitude to the project contractors. We are confident that LNG Canada will demonstrate the highest standards of safety, reliability and competitiveness.”
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