A company based in British Columbia is part of a partnership that successfully secured a significant contract for the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission project. The Surerus Murphy Joint Venture, involving the Nisga’a Nation and Western LNG, will construct the initial section of the new pipeline connecting northeastern B.C. to Ksi Lisims LNG on the north coast.

With a track record that includes involvement in projects such as the Coastal GasLink and TransMountain expansions, as well as the ongoing construction of the Eagle Mountain pipeline for Woodfibre LNG, the Surerus Murphy Joint Venture was selected for its expertise and local experience in overseeing major infrastructure developments in British Columbia.

Sean Surerus, the president of Surerus Pipeline based in Fort St. John and a partner in the joint venture with U.K.-based J. Murphy and Sons, expressed enthusiasm for the economic prospects the project brings not only to their business and the northeastern region of B.C. but also to the province as a whole.

Eva Clayton, president of Nisga’a Lisims Government, emphasized the commitment to engaging Canadian businesses and local firms in the project. Contractors will be mandated to create an Indigenous participation strategy for recruitment and subcontracting activities to ensure that benefits are retained within British Columbia.

The construction company, Surerus Murphy, has been entrusted with building approximately 193 kilometers of pipeline between Chetwynd and Mackenzie, operating close to Highway 97 before veering towards the coast. The rugged terrain poses challenges, but the company’s familiarity with the area and its proactive approach to managing construction impacts are seen as advantageous.

A final investment decision for the Ksi Lisims project, valued at $30 billion, is anticipated by the end of the year, according to Rebecca Scott, a spokesperson for Western LNG. The project has already secured buyers for half of its planned 12-million tonne annual output, with more agreements and construction updates expected to follow.

Should a positive decision be reached, construction on the facility and pipeline is slated to commence in early 2027, bringing forth a wave of opportunities and economic benefits to the region.