A British Columbia company has secured a significant contract for the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission project through a partnership with the Nisga’a Nation and Western LNG. The Surerus Murphy Joint Venture will be responsible for constructing the initial section of the pipeline connecting northeastern British Columbia to the Ksi Lisims LNG facility on the north coast.
With a track record of involvement in notable projects such as 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 expertise and familiarity with major infrastructure development in British Columbia.
According to Sean Surerus, the president of Surerus Pipeline, which operates out of Fort St. John and forms half of the joint venture with U.K.-based J. Murphy and Sons, this contract represents a significant opportunity for their business and the province’s economy.
Eva Clayton, the president of Nisga’a Lisims Government, emphasized the commitment to engaging Canadian businesses and local companies in the project. Contractors will be required to establish an Indigenous participation plan for hiring and contracting, ensuring that benefits remain within British Columbia.
The construction will cover approximately 193 kilometers between Chetwynd and Mackenzie, with crews from Surerus Murphy leveraging their familiarity with the challenging terrain in the region to effectively manage and minimize construction impacts.
Allseas, a Swiss-based company, has been enlisted to install the subsea pipeline at the project’s conclusion. The final investment decision for the Ksi Lisims project, valued at $30 billion, is expected by the year’s end, with half of its 12-million tonne annual output already secured by buyers. Additional deals and construction milestones are anticipated, signaling positive momentum for the project’s progression.
The involvement of local companies like Surerus Murphy demonstrates a commitment to maximizing opportunities and benefits within the region, aligning with the community’s eagerness for the project’s realization. Upon a favorable final investment decision, construction on the facility and pipeline is slated to commence in early 2027.
