Trigon's LPG export plans move forward as Terminal ownership initiates regulatory review with PRPA

While Trigon Terminals and the Port of Prince Rupert continue to disagree on the topic and the plans for a Liquid Propane Gas export terminal work through way through the courts; Trigon has outlined its Project Description for their proposed terminal development.

An announcement from last Wednesday by Trigon officials provided a glimpse into their overview towards a regulatory review, the document one which was delivered to the Prince Rupert Port Authority as is mandated by the Canada Marine Act and outlines key project attributes.  

Included on the list, what Trigon describes as the compelling advantages of minimal environmental impact, low development costs, and the opportunity for needed diversification within the port and along the West Coast of North America. 

Rob Booker, the Chief Executive Officer of Trigon notes of the impact that their project would have on the  growth for trade and will help to cushion the upcoming ban on thermal coal that the Terminal faces.

“The Trigon LPG project is about opening up Canada’s northwestern export trade corridor, and providing jobs and economic opportunity for a region that is often left behind, Without investments likes ours, opportunity will continue to migrate elsewhere – which is particularly concerning given the upcoming ban on thermal coal exports that make up such of big part of exports handled through Prince Rupert today.”

Among the areas of note for the proposed terminal development:

Creation of 98,000 cubic metres of new LPG storage capacity

The leverage of existing LPG vessel loading infrastructure

An ability to leverage existing rail yard, with new rail unloading facilities to provide complete unit train unloading.

As for their ongoing dispute with the Prince Rupert Port Authority, Trigon is moving forward with their legal efforts.

Trigon continues to pursue legal action to enforce its lease rights to handle additional Canadian commodities, and is continuing to advance project planning in light of its confidence that this action will be resolved in its favour. 

Subject to regulatory review and other approvals, Trigon anticipates being ready to start operations by late 2027.

There does not appear to be any change in approach towards how the Port views the Trigon plans, with the PRPA continuing with its own legal approach to challenge the Trigon proposal.

In mid November the Port noted that it had not given Trigon permission to change their operations model outside of the operations currently in place under their lease with the Port Authority.

"PRPA is the landlord of Trigon Pacific Terminals’ (Trigon) leased property on Ridley Island. PRPA has not given Trigon consent to expand its permitted uses on its leased property beyond its current portfolio."  -- From the PRPA statement to the NCR of November

The Prince Rupert Port Authority has yet to outline what the path forward is for the Trigon proposal now that they have initiated the regulatory review.

More background on the Trigom proposal can be explored through our archive page.