Cedar LNG Project Near Kitimat, B.C. Advances with Key Milestones Reached

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The Cedar LNG project, a $4 billion initiative near Kitimat, B.C., has made significant progress in construction, achieving major milestones for both the marine terminal and floating liquefied natural gas facility.

Construction on the Cedar LNG project, a $4 billion initiative located near Kitimat, British Columbia, is gaining momentum as crucial milestones have been reached for both the marine terminal and the floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility. This ambitious venture is a collaboration between the Haisla Nation and Pembina Pipeline Corp., marking it as the world's first LNG development with Indigenous majority ownership and Canada's inaugural floating LNG export operation.
Recently, crews successfully completed the final weld on an eight-kilometre pipeline designed to connect the LNG facility to the Coastal GasLink system, which will supply natural gas to the floating LNG vessel. This accomplishment is a pivotal advancement toward linking the marine terminal with the processing infrastructure. Project officials indicated that the pipeline has now entered a phase of pressure testing and verification procedures to confirm compliance with all safety and engineering standards. Following the completion of these tests, the pipeline will be filled with nitrogen and maintained in this state until the facility is set to commence operations in late 2028. Concurrently, right-of-way restoration and cleanup activities will proceed alongside the testing program.
The construction of the pipeline is being spearheaded by Ledcor Haisla Limited Partnership, a joint venture that has played an instrumental role in the construction efforts and includes participation from members of the Haisla Nation. Additionally, work on the marine terminal is progressing robustly, with Ledcor’s heavy civil division undertaking site preparation, grading, drainage installation, and the construction of access roads, all of which are vital for the foundational work required before advancing to subsequent phases of the project. Ledcor has affirmed that their overall scope of work for the Cedar LNG project is on schedule for completion and handover by October.
On an international scale, construction of the floating LNG vessel is also making significant strides at Samsung Heavy Industries’ shipyard in Geoje, South Korea. A key milestone was achieved in June with the launch of the vessel's hull into the water. Named megúgu, which translates to Spirit of the Cedar Tree in the xa’isla language, the floating facility is reported to be more than 50 percent complete. Upon its arrival in Kitimat in 2028, megúgu will become Canada’s first floating LNG facility and one of only a handful of such facilities in operation globally. The vessel is being constructed by Samsung in collaboration with engineering firm Black & Veatch.
Once operational, the natural gas transported through the Cedar Link pipeline will undergo treatment and cooling to minus 162 degrees Celsius, converting it into a liquid state for export to Asia-Pacific markets. LNG carriers are anticipated to visit the facility every seven to ten days, translating to up to 50 shipments annually, thereby transporting Canadian natural gas through Douglas Channel to international clients.
However, the marine and pipeline infrastructure are just components of a broader construction initiative this year. Cedar LNG is also preparing to establish a transmission line to connect the facility to renewable electricity from the BC Hydro grid. Route clearing and site preparation are currently underway along the approved transmission corridor, strategically chosen to minimize environmental impacts by steering clear of old-growth forest areas and sensitive wildlife habitats. This transmission infrastructure will enable the floating facility to operate using renewable energy, thereby aiding in the reduction of emissions and supporting Cedar LNG’s objective of maintaining one of the lowest carbon footprints in the global LNG sector.
At the peak of construction, it is projected that Cedar LNG will provide employment for up to 500 workers. With all regulatory approvals secured and construction progressing on various fronts, the project remains on track for a late 2028 startup. If successful, Cedar LNG will mark British Columbia’s third LNG export project, following LNG Canada and Woodfibre LNG, and will set a new standard for Indigenous involvement in significant resource development.
Cedar LNG has committed to establishing a majority-local workforce for its operational phase, which is expected to require around 100 full-time employees. This year, the first group of Haisla apprentices commenced on-the-job training at Pembina’s propane export facility in Prince Rupert. Currently, four Haisla members are receiving practical operational experience and technical training, with plans to transition into full-time roles aboard the floating LNG facility post-graduation in 2028.
For the Haisla Nation, this facility represents a significant achievement in Indigenous ownership and leadership within Canada’s natural resource sector. Community engagement has remained a priority throughout the construction process. Earlier this year, representatives from Cedar LNG met with stakeholders from the District of Kitimat, emergency response organizations, WorkSafeBC, the B.C. Energy Regulator, LNG Canada, and Rio Tinto to discuss construction timelines, environmental management, and emergency preparedness. Amanda Zinter, B.C. regulatory lead for Cedar LNG, emphasized the importance of collaboration and information sharing, stating, "It was great to have so many community organizations and key stakeholders come together. This project is built on collaboration and information sharing, so it’s always important to have time together to share our plans, hear feedback, and address questions so we can all be moving in the right direction together."

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