The construction phase began in August 2023, when the Qingdao McDermott Wuchuan (QMW) yard in China started fabricating the first of 18 modules. These modules, with a total weight of 34,359 metric tons, are scheduled for delivery by the third quarter of 2025.
Throughout 2024, key developments included the arrival of a floating accommodation vessel (floatel) in June, the construction of a marine offloading facility, and the pouring of concrete foundations. Work also focused on marine infrastructure for mooring floating storage tanks, in line with regulatory and environmental guidelines set by federal, provincial, and Squamish Nation authorities.
On the southern side of the site, older infrastructure, including a 1950s administrative building and creosote piles, was removed. New riprap was placed along the shoreline to prevent erosion, and piles were installed for the floatel’s mooring. The northern section of the site saw foreshore reinforcement and the installation of marine pilings to support the offloading facility, which will receive LNG modules in 2025.
Woodfibre LNG has implemented environmental safeguards, including marine mammal monitoring, to ensure compliance with its environmental management plans. Other preparatory work included land clearing, excavation, and grading for the liquefaction facility. The first concrete foundations were poured in August 2024, with construction continuing through winter.
The project involves a liquefaction train, a floating LNG storage unit, an air-cooling system, and docking facilities for LNG carriers. It is backed by a partnership between Pacific Energy Corporation (70%) and Enbridge (30%). Woodfibre LNG has secured three 15-year offtake agreements with BP. Initially estimated at $1.6 billion, the project's cost was revised to $5.1 billion in mid-2022.
Further progress is expected in 2025, with the arrival of the first modules and continued work towards commissioning the facility.