Trigon is appealing to the Canadian government to get the Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) to lift the exclusivity it granted to Royal Vopak and Altagas to conduct liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) exports from Rupert.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Trigon CEO Rob Booker said his company is ready to start building an LPG export facility
"Trigon Pacific Terminals is ready to immediately declare a Final Investment Decision and to advance the $750 million Trigon Pacific LPG Project to construction," Booker wrote.
"This project will enable the export of 2.5 million MT (metric tonnes) of LPG annually to eager, un-tariffed Asia-Pacific buyers."
However, to ensure the continuation of Trigon's project, the port must revoke the monopoly it granted to the Altagas-Royal Vopak partnership's Ridley Island Energy Export Facility (REEF).
"This step is urgently needed to allow free, open and competitive market access for Canadian exporters," said the CEO.
In late 2023, for giving exclusive rights to the REEF project to handle Canadian LPG exports out of Rupert.
The matter remains before the court.
After Trigon鈥檚 recent open letter to the PM, PRPA told The Northern View it stands firm in not allowing Trigon to expand LPG projects on Ridley Island. PRPA is the landlord of Trigon鈥檚 property there.
The $1.35 billion REEF project, which will allow for the export of LPG, methanol, and other bulk liquids, is progressing and the port expects it will be operational by 2027.
Trigon asserts that as Canada faces unjustified U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, the company can provide an immediate way for the government to mitigate harmful economic impacts.
The nation currently exports a significant amount of LPG to the U.S., putting a considerable portion of its energy export market at risk of tariffs. Canada ships over 140,000 barrels of LPG to the United States each day.
"We have the capability to diversify our markets quickly and at low cost," said Booker. "We strongly support your request that all Canadians choose Canada, and that is what we can do 鈥� today," he added.
"While the United States is our valued partner, the time to stand up for Canada is upon us. We need to strongly demonstrate to our southern neighbours that Canada has options and will exercise them fully to offset the serious economic implications of the imposed trade tariffs."
Trigon is ready to move forward with final design and procurement, with a plan to complete the facility's construction within two years.
"Now is the time for Canada to act boldly to take all steps to safeguard our well-being and do what is in the best interest of all Canadians. We are committed to doing the same," Booker said.
