HaiSea Marine, a joint venture partnership between the Haisla First Nation and Vancouver-based Seaspan ULC, announced the signing of a contract award with LNG Canada, a major LNG project, to design, build and operate escort tugs and harbor tugs required for LNG Canada’s LNG export facility in Kitimat, British Columbia.
The value of the contract award is approximately $500 million over 12 years and will result in employment for approximately 70 mariners and six onshore staff, plus other roles for employees of the partner organizations.
LNG Canada represents one of the largest energy investments in the history of Canada, with support from First Nations.
The final investment decision was reached on 1 October 2018, to build the LNG Canada export facility in Kitimat, British Columbia, in the traditional territory of the Haisla Nation.
Our agreement with Seaspan ensures our members will have access to employment, training and procurement opportunities on the contract with LNG Canada. The opportunity to work locally in the marine industry is of great significance to the Haisla people,
… says Crystal Smith, Chief Councillor of the Haisla Nation.
Benefits will also be available to the Gitxaala Nation and the Gitga’at Nation through a transit agreement with the Haisla.
During operations, LNG carriers will require harbour tugs to provide berthing and unberthing assistance in Kitimat.
The tugs will also provide transportation of material and personnel, marine emergency response, firefighting and oil pollution response.
Escort tugs are required to escort LNG carriers from Triple Island to the facility in Kitimat, approximately 159 nautical miles.
The tugs are yet to be constructed and will go into service shortly prior to production commencing, which is estimated before mid-next decade.
Vancouver-based Robert Allan Ltd., an independent, privately owned firm of consulting naval architects and marine engineers, has been contracted to design the new vessels.
The legacy the LNG Canada project will leave, in part, is the long-term, high-skilled jobs for First Nations and local community members,
…says Peter Zebedee, CEO of LNG Canada.
