Construction continues to gather pace on the $4 billion Cedar LNG project near Kitimat, British Columbia, as the development reaches several major milestones across its pipeline, marine terminal and floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility.
Developed through a partnership between the Haisla Nation and Pembina Pipeline Corp., Cedar LNG is set to become the world’s first Indigenous majority-owned LNG export project and Canada’s first floating LNG export facility.
One of the latest achievements is the completion of the final weld on the project’s eight-kilometre Cedar Link pipeline, which will connect the floating LNG facility to the Coastal GasLink natural gas system. The pipeline will supply natural gas directly to the floating processing vessel once operations begin.
The pipeline has now entered pressure testing and verification procedures to confirm it meets all engineering and safety standards. Once testing is complete, the line will be filled with nitrogen and remain in that condition until commercial operations begin in late 2028. Restoration and cleanup work along the pipeline corridor will continue during this phase.
Pipeline construction is being carried out by Ledcor Haisla Limited Partnership, a joint venture that includes Haisla Nation participation and has played a key role throughout the project’s development.
At the marine terminal, Ledcor’s heavy civil division continues work on site preparation, grading, drainage systems and access roads, laying the foundation for the next stages of construction.
According to Ledcor, the company is managing several major construction packages across both the marine terminal and pipeline under an integrated delivery approach. The current scope of work remains on schedule for completion and handover in October.
Progress is also continuing overseas, where Samsung Heavy Industries is constructing the project’s floating LNG facility at its shipyard in Geoje, South Korea.
A major milestone was achieved in June when the vessel’s hull was successfully launched into the water. Named megúgu, meaning Spirit of the Cedar Tree in the xa’isla language, the floating LNG facility is now more than 50% complete.
Once delivered to Kitimat in 2028, megúgu will become the first floating LNG export facility to operate in Canada and one of only a limited number currently in service worldwide.
The vessel is being built by Samsung Heavy Industries in partnership with engineering company Black & Veatch. Once operational, natural gas delivered through the Cedar Link pipeline will be processed and cooled to minus 162°C, converting it into liquefied natural gas for export to customers throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
The facility is expected to receive LNG carriers every seven to ten days, accommodating up to 50 vessel calls annually through the Douglas Channel.
Construction is also progressing on the project’s supporting electrical infrastructure. Cedar LNG is preparing to build a transmission line that will connect the floating facility to renewable electricity supplied by the BC Hydro grid.
Route clearing and site preparation are underway along the approved transmission corridor, which was chosen to avoid old-growth forests and sensitive wildlife habitat to the greatest extent possible, and to minimize environmental impacts. Once complete, the renewable power connection will help the facility maintain one of the lowest carbon emissions profiles among LNG export projects worldwide.
The project will employ up to 500 workers during peak construction.
Cedar LNG is on track to start up in late 2028 with all major regulatory approvals in place and construction underway on multiple fronts.
The project is expected to emerge as British Columbia’s third LNG export facility, after LNG Canada and Woodfibre LNG, and to set a new precedent of Indigenous ownership and leadership in Canada’s natural resource sector.
During operations, Cedar LNG aims to employ approximately 100 full-time workers, with a strong focus on hiring locally. Earlier this year, the first group of Haisla Nation apprentices began practical training at Pembina’s Prince Rupert propane export terminal. Four Haisla members are currently receiving technical and operational experience and are expected to transition into permanent positions aboard the floating LNG facility after completing their training in 2028.
Community engagement also remains a central part of the project. Earlier this year, Cedar LNG brought together representatives from the District of Kitimat, emergency response organizations, WorkSafeBC, the B.C. Energy Regulator, LNG Canada and Rio Tinto to review construction schedules, environmental management plans and emergency preparedness.
Amanda Zinter, Cedar LNG’s B.C. regulatory lead, said the project continues to prioritize collaboration with local organizations and stakeholders to ensure construction progresses safely, transparently and with ongoing community involvement.
