FortisBC Holdings Inc. is thrilled to announce that the Government of Canada has officially approved the Tilbury Marine Jetty (TMJ) project, a significant initiative aimed at bolstering (liquefied natural gas) LNG bunkering services in the Vancouver region.
The TMJ project entails the construction of a new jetty on the south arm of the Fraser River, strategically located adjacent to FortisBC’s existing Tilbury LNG facility. This new jetty will serve as a refueling hub for LNG bunkering vessels, enhancing the region’s capacity to supply cleaner marine fuel. The facility will utilize LNG produced at the Tilbury LNG facility, which benefits from British Columbia’s abundant hydroelectric power, making it approximately 30% less carbon-intensive compared to global LNG averages.
The environmental implications of the TMJ project are substantial. LNG is known for its potential to significantly reduce local air pollutants, a crucial factor for ports and densely populated coastal areas. The Port of Vancouver sees approximately 3,100 ships annually, and a third-party study indicates that transitioning these vessels from conventional marine fuels to LNG could eliminate up to 90% of particulate matter associated with marine shipping in the local airshed.
In 2022, FortisBC entered into a partnership with the Musqueam Indian Band (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm), committing to collaborative development of the Tilbury projects. This partnership aims to create a world-leading LNG facility that yields mutual benefits for the Musqueam community and the broader region. The TMJ project is anticipated to foster economic growth and job creation in Delta, neighboring communities, and among Indigenous populations.
“We will continue to work closely with Indigenous groups and local communities on environmental mitigation, as well as explore opportunities for training, employment, and contracting,” FortisBC stated, emphasizing their commitment to community engagement.
With the Government’s approval secured, the Tilbury Jetty Limited Partnership will now focus on obtaining the necessary permits and approvals for the TMJ project. The partnership, comprising Fortis LNG Jetty Limited Partnership and Seaspan, aims to finalize investment decisions to move forward with the construction.
Roger Dall’Antonia, President and CEO of FortisBC, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s advancement. “We are excited to announce that the Government of Canada has approved the Tilbury Marine Jetty (TMJ) project. This significant milestone allows the project to move forward in its goal of reducing emissions in the marine industry and provide benefits to our local economy, including through our agreement with Musqueam.”
Future Prospects of Tilbury Marine Jetty
The Tilbury marine jetty will play a vital role in supporting the global transition to lower-emission energy sources. Key features of the proposed development include:
- Marine jetty with berthing and mooring facilities
- Access trestle connecting to the shoreline
- LNG line linking to FortisBC’s Tilbury LNG facility
- Vapour return line, water supply, and other essential utilities
This project is expected to not only serve local vessels but also to cater to customers across the Pacific Northwest, aligning with FortisBC’s commitment to environmental sustainability and economic development.
As FortisBC moves forward with the TMJ project, the potential benefits for the local economy, Indigenous communities, and environmental impact are anticipated to make a lasting positive difference in the region’s maritime operations.
The Global LNG Market
The global LNG market set sail in the mid-1960s with the launch of the first purpose-built LNG carrier, with early shipments traveling from Africa to Europe. Now, decades later, the market has expanded significantly, with an increasing number of countries exporting LNG. Since 2017, FortisBC has been sending shipments of Canadian LNG to Asia, contributing to the growing popularity of LNG as a cleaner alternative fuel to coal or diesel.
Notably, FortisBC was the first company in the world to offer truck-to-ship LNG marine fuel bunkering for local ferries, achieving over 6,000 successful bunkering deliveries to date. This innovative approach underscores FortisBC’s leadership in the LNG sector and its commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions.
About FortisBC
FortisBC Holdings Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a prominent player in the North American regulated electric and gas utility sector. FortisBC Holdings Inc. is also the parent company of FortisBC Energy Inc., which provides regulated utility services in British Columbia.