AltaGas Ltd. (Calgary) said Jan. 20 that a sublease and related agreements have been signed with Ridley Terminals Inc. (Prince Rupert, B.C.) to develop, build, own, and operate a proposed Ridley Island propane export terminal,
to be located on Ridley Island near Prince Rupert. The site is on a parcel leased by Ridley Terminals from the Prince Rupert Port Authority. AltaGas noted that the agreements are an important first step for beginning the regulatory and engagement phases of the project.

The proposed Canadian West Coast export facility will be designed to ship up to 1.2 million tonnes of propane a year and will be constructed by AltaGas. It will be built on a reclaimed site with a history of industrial development,
connections to existing rail lines, and an existing marine jetty with deep-water access to the Pacific. Propane from British Columbia and Alberta natural gas producers will be transported to the facility using the existing CN rail network.

“We are very excited about the opportunities presented by the Ridley Island propane export terminal,” said David Cornhill, chairman and CEO of AltaGas. “We anticipate this facility will be the first to export propane from British Columbia’s west coast, opening up new international markets for natural gas products in Western Canada. We look forward to working closely with First Nations, governments, the community, and other stakeholders to bring this project into operation.” “Ridley Terminals is encouraged by this concrete step to diversify products shipped from our facilities while sustaining and creating new jobs in the community,” added David Kirsop, COO and president of Ridley Terminals.

Preliminary engineering has been completed and the front-end engineering and design study has begun. The process of engaging and consulting with First Nations, communities, government, and environmental and regulatory authorities is under way. AltaGas is working toward reaching a final investment decision this year. Commercial operation to commence propane exports is targeted for 2018. The facility is estimated to cost between C$400 million and C$500 million. AltaGas owns or has an interest in six natural gas processing facilities in British Columbia and Alberta that produce propane, and operates a similar propane export terminal in Ferndale, Wash. “This project aligns with the type of growth and diversification envisioned in the port’s development plan, with the potential to advance Prince Rupert’s support of Canadian export industries through our trade gateway,” said Don Krusel, president and CEO of the Port of Prince Rupert.