WesPac files for Tilbury Pacific LNG environmental assessment

WesPac Midstream-Vancouver’s proposal to build the Tilbury Pacific LNG marine jetty on the Fraser River in Delta, British Columbia, reached a new milestone with the filing of an environmental assessment application. 

The proposed project filed an application for the EA certificate with the British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Office which also market the start of a public consultation period a statement by WesPac Midstream reads.

Tilbury Pacific would become a link in the West Coast LNG supply chain providing fuel for coastal and ocean-going shipping. It would also have the capability to supply bulk shipments of B.C.-produced LNG to customers across the Pacific and along the West Coast, the company said.

Market forces have positively shifted the outlook for LNG in recent years with the growing need for a low-emission fuel. Global demand has surged as countries look to reduce their reliance on coal and oil for fuel. Tilbury Pacific would have the capability to supply bulk shipments of LNG and connect customers overseas with Canada’s extensive natural gas reserves.

The International Maritime Organization is also introducing a new global cap on sulphur emissions in 2020 that will encourage more shipping companies to switch their fleets from bunker fuel to natural gas.

Over the last year, WesPac has been planning and refining the Tilbury Pacific project, the company said, noting that there have been a number of changes to the proposed design as a result of feedback from the public, Indigenous communities and potential customers.

These changes include a proposal to build a temporary floating berth to serve bunker vessels and ocean-going ships as soon as 2020.

The changes also include a permanent berth to serve export and bunker vessels would be operational by 2022 and the reduction of the project’s physical footprint meaning less impact on the marine environment near this historically industrial site.