Woodfibre Management, a privately held Canadian company based in Vancouver, is making inroads in the construction of its operated multibillion-dollar liquefied natural gas (LNG) export project under development in British Columbia, Canada.
The marine work is progressing as crews install the piles that will support the mooring structures for the future floating storage tanks, after two major modules, pretreatment and process utility, arrived to the site, bringing construction to nearly 60% completion for the Woodfibre LNG project that aims to make the world’s first net-zero LNG facility a reality.
These structures are expected to safely secure the tanks, where responsibly produced Canadian LNG will be stored before being shipped to international markets. This is seen as another important step in connecting Canadian energy to the world.
The Woodfibre LNG development will produce 2.1 million tonnes of LNG for export annually, being built near the community of Squamish on the traditional territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation).
This project is owned by Woodfibre LNG Limited Partnership, owned 70% by Pacific Energy Corporation (Canada) and 30% by Enbridge. The developer claims that protecting the marine environment of Átl’ḵa7tsem (Howe Sound) is a core priority during construction at the site.
The project is perceived to implement a comprehensive marine mammal monitoring program that combines advanced technology, trained observers, and Indigenous participation to help ensure construction activities do not disturb wildlife.
The program entails hydrophones, thermal imaging and dedicated monitoring teams. If marine mammals enter designated safety zones, work pauses immediately until it is safe to proceed.
During the marine construction season profiled in the Woodfibre LNG 2024 Sustainability Update, the program involved more than 5,700 hours of monitoring to protect species such as humpback whales, killer whales, porpoises, and seals.
With the addition of the second floatel, MV Saga X , the project can house approximately 1,300 workers on site across two vessels, providing accommodation during a critical phase of construction.
The company elaborated: “Purpose-built housing like this helps support the growing workforce while avoiding additional pressure on local housing and services in Squamish. Bridgemans Services Group’s MV Saga X was designed to be more than just a place to sleep.
“From private cabins and shared dining spaces to training rooms, fitness areas and social spaces, it provides a comfortable “home away from home” for the skilled tradespeople helping build the facility.”
The pretreatment module travelled to Squamish by water before being carefully brought ashore and set on its permanent foundations. Weighing more than 12,292 metric tonnes and stretching over 90 meters long and 47 meters high, it stands roughly the height of a 12-storey building and almost the length of a soccer field.
The firm underlined: “One of the largest single components of the facility, its role is essential — removing moisture and trace gases from natural gas feedstock before liquefaction.
“At -162°C, even small amounts of water would freeze solid, risking process disruption or equipment damage. This module ensures the gas meets strict specifications before becoming LNG.”