FortisBC marks its 10,000th LNG bunkering delivery, reinforcing British Columbia’s role as a leading West Coast hub for lower-carbon marine fuel.
Canada | April 23, 2026 – FortisBC Energy Inc. (FortisBC) has announced the completion of its 10,000th LNG bunkering operation, a significant milestone that cements British Columbia’s position as a premier hub for lower-carbon marine transportation on the West Coast.
Since launching its bunkering operations in 2016, FortisBC has transformed the Port of Vancouver’s energy profile. By leveraging locally produced LNG from its Tilbury facility, the company is enabling regional and international vessel operators to transition away from traditional high-emission marine fuels.
A Decade of Innovation and Firsts
The 10,000-delivery milestone follows a year of unprecedented operational breakthroughs for FortisBC and its partner, Seaspan Energy. Recent achievements at the Port of Vancouver and English Bay include:
- Canada’s First Ship-to-Ship (STS) LNG Transfer: A critical proof-of-concept for large-scale maritime refueling.
- Sector Diversification: Successful LNG transfers to car carriers, container ships, and the first Alaska-bound cruise ships.
- Proprietary Technology: Development of unique tanker-truck refueling methods in collaboration with Seaspan Ferries and BC Ferries, allowing for safe “on-deck” refueling.
“Completing our 10,000th LNG bunkering delivery is a testament to the innovation and long-term commitment that define FortisBC’s mission to expand access to lower-carbon marine energy,” said Mike Leclair, Vice President of Major Projects and LNG. “This milestone reflects more than just the growth of our technical capabilities; it represents a collective effort to secure a sustainable future for maritime transport through home-grown, made-in-B.C. refueling solutions.”
Strategic Partnerships and the “Look West” Strategy
FortisBC’s growth is deeply rooted in local collaboration, notably its landmark agreement with the Musqueam Indian Band to partner on LNG projects. These initiatives align with the provincial government’s Look West strategy, which seeks to modernize B.C.’s infrastructure and double exports to non-U.S. markets over the next decade.
“I congratulate FortisBC on this milestone, which underscores their dedication to advancing lower-carbon energy and building a resilient future for our province,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “Through pivotal partnerships with the Musqueam Indian Band, Seaspan Ferries, and BC Ferries, FortisBC is playing a vital role in delivering sustainable marine energy while fostering significant economic opportunities right here in British Columbia.”
The Port of Vancouver: An Emerging Global Hub
As the maritime industry faces tightening environmental regulations, LNG serves as the primary “ready-now” alternative fuel. Alexa Young, Vice President at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, noted that the port is seeing increased adoption across cruise, cargo, and container segments.
To meet this surging demand, FortisBC is currently:
- Expanding STS Infrastructure: Increasing the capacity for ship-to-ship refueling to service massive transpacific vessels.
- Infrastructure Advocacy: Working with regulators to expand refueling networks across the province.
- Renewable Integration: Moving toward incorporating Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and other lower-carbon intensity molecules into the supply chain.
“As Canada aims to double exports to non-U.S. markets over the next decade, the Port of Vancouver is central to moving Canadian goods, from minerals to harvests, to the global stage. Crucially, this growth must be sustainable,” said Alexa Young, Vice President of Government, External, and Environmental Affairs. “LNG bunkering is the first alternative fuel available at scale for the maritime sector. Since its introduction via Seaspan Energy last year, we’ve seen cruise, cargo, and container segments rapidly adopt LNG to reduce air pollutants while keeping Canadian trade in motion.”
About FortisBC Energy Inc.
FortisBC Energy Inc. is a leading regulated utility dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, and affordable energy solutions to British Columbia. As a cornerstone of the province’s energy infrastructure, the company provides natural gas, propane, and increasingly, renewable energy alternatives to approximately 1,098,400 customers.
Key Operations & Infrastructure
FortisBC maintains an extensive energy network designed to support both residential and industrial growth across the West Coast:
- Distribution Network: Manages approximately 51,700 kilometres of gas transmission and distribution lines.
- LNG Facilities: Owns and operates two major liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage facilities, which are central to its marine bunkering and peak-shaving operations.
- Workforce: Employs roughly 2,160 British Columbians, contributing significantly to the provincial economy.
Commitment to Lower Carbon Energy
In alignment with global energy transition goals, FortisBC is aggressively expanding its portfolio of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and other lower-carbon energy sources. By repurposing organic waste into carbon-neutral energy, the company provides a practical pathway for customers to reduce their carbon footprint without replacing existing infrastructure.
Corporate Structure
FortisBC Energy Inc. is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a giant in the North American regulated electricity and gas utility industry. The company operates under the FortisBC brand and logo via a licensing agreement with Fortis Inc., ensuring global standards of utility management are applied at the local level.
Source: FortisBC Energy Inc.