LNG Canada has launched operations at the nation’s first large-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility in Kitimat, BC, marking Canada’s entry into the global LNG market.The facility loaded its inaugural cargo aboard the GasLog Glasgow tanker, destined for Asian markets, as confirmed by project officials.BC Coast Pilots, led by Capt. Steve Kennedy, highlighted over 10 years of collaboration with government, industry, and coastal First Nations to ensure safe and environmentally responsible operations.“The arrival of GasLog Glasgow at the LNG Canada terminal in Kitimat is a historic moment, and the BC Coast Pilots are proud to have supported this milestone,” Kennedy said in a written statement..Kitimat-based LNG Canada produces first liquefied gas for export.With an initial capacity of 14 million tonnes per annum from two processing units, a potential second phase could double output.Speaking to the CBC, Kitimat Mayor Phil Germuth praised LNG Canada’s decade-long efforts to minimize community impacts, ensuring economic benefits for the region.“LNG Canada put an extreme amount of effort and resources into making sure, even years before their final investment decision, that the negative impacts on the community would be as small as possible,” Germuth said.Kitimat has a population of roughly 9,000, and the LNG project had over 7,000 workers rotating in and out during the peak of its construction in 2023.“We’re very thankful for that,” Germuth continued. “[LNG Canada] did an outstanding job protecting the community through that.”.The $40 billion project—the largest private-sector investment in Canadian history—is a joint venture led by Shell (40%), alongside Petronas (25%), PetroChina (15%), Mitsubishi (15%), and Kogas (5%).Prime Minister Mark Carney hailed the milestone as a step toward making Canada a global energy superpower, emphasizing trade diversification and emissions reduction through partnerships with Indigenous communities.“By turning aspiration into action, Canada can become the world’s leading energy superpower with the strongest economy in the G7,” Carney said.Shell’s LNG Outlook 2025 predicts a 60% rise in global LNG demand by 2040, driven by Asia’s growth. .Pembina eyes expansion of Cedar LNG as Canada races US for Asian gas market.Cedric Cremers, Shell’s integrated gas president, said LNG Canada strengthens Shell’s portfolio in supplying Asia.“LNG will be the biggest contribution Shell will make to the energy transition over the next decade,” Cremers said.Over 50,000 Canadians have worked on the LNG Canada venture, with more than CAD $5.8 billion in contracts and subcontracts awarded to local, Indigenous-owned, and other businesses in British Columbia.
