Two major players in the bulk liquids industry are teaming up to consider expanding the Prince Rupert port鈥檚 export capacity for propane, methanol and other liquids.
Vopak and AltaGas announced on April 26 a 50/50 joint venture for a large-scale Ridley Island LPG (liquid petroleum gas) and other bulk liquids export terminal.
The terminal under consideration would take advantage of Ridley Island鈥檚 existing federal and provincial permits to construct new large storage tanks, a new dedicated jetty, and rail and other ancillary infrastructure on a 190-acre (77 hectare) parcel adjacent to AltaGas鈥檚 existing Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal.
The joint venture has already secured a long-term lease for the land and will now continue to evaluate the viability of the project with the goal of making a decision by the end of the year.
If they move forward, the terminal would be built in phases based on a number of factors, a press release stated. AltaGas has secured all of the export capacity for phase 1.
While no final decision has been made, there are distinct advantages to the Prince Rupert location, noted Randy Crawford, president and CEO of AltaGas.
鈥淐anada has a structural advantage in delivering LPGs into Asia from its world-class resources and through the shortest shipping time and lowest maritime emissions footprint,鈥� he said. 鈥淎ltaGas delivers more than 12 per cent of Japan鈥檚 propane and 12 per cent of South Korea鈥檚 LPG imports through connecting our valued upstream customers with key downstream markets in Asia. [Ridley] fits our corporate strategy of operating long-life infrastructure assets that connect customers and markets and provide resilient and durable value for our stakeholders.鈥�
They also have allies among local First Nations.
鈥淲e commend Vopak and AltaGas on their efforts to-date on building long-term relationships with our community,鈥� said Chief Harold Leighton, Metlakatla First Nation. 鈥淲e are excited with the potential this joint venture project provides to our area and the Metlakatla First Nation.鈥�
This is one of many possible expansions the port may see in the future, Ken Veldman, Prince Rupert Port Authority vice-president of public affairs and sustainability told Brenda Bailey, B.C.鈥檚 minister of jobs during a boat tour of the harbour last week.
Bailey was impressed by what she saw.
鈥淭his port is a very, very impressive facility and opportunities seem pretty much endless here,鈥� she told Black Press Media following the tour.
editor@interior-news.com
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