Swiss-based marine construction specialist Allseas has secured a contract from Western LNG to install the critical subsea section of the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) pipeline in northwest Canada, according to Splash247.
Contract Details
The PRGT pipeline is a 700 km system designed to transport Canadian natural gas from producing regions to the Pacific coast. The subsea section, which forms the final link in the system, will consist of approximately 50 km of 36- and 48-inch concrete-weight coated pipeline. This section will connect the onshore transmission network to the planned Ksi Lisims LNG export facility on Pearse Island in northwest British Columbia, near the Alaska border.
Offshore installation activities are scheduled for 2029, as reported by Splash247. The scope of work includes multiple shore crossings, shore pull-ins, above-water tie-ins, trenching activities, route stabilisation, and pre- and post-lay span rectification.
Vessels and Installation Scope
Allseas will deploy two of its pipelay vessels for the project: Solitaire and Sandpiper. These vessels will execute the work in water depths ranging from the shoreline to approximately 450 m. Solitaire is one of the largest pipelay vessels in the world, capable of handling large-diameter pipelines in deep water. Sandpiper complements Solitaire for shallow-water and near-shore operations.
The pipeline route traverses remote waters, requiring careful engineering to manage environmental conditions and seabed topography. The concrete weight coating on the pipes ensures stability on the seabed and protection against currents.
Strategic Importance for Canadian LNG
Once operational, the PRGT system will provide a new route to market for Canadian natural gas, expanding export opportunities, strengthening long-term energy security, and supporting economic development in British Columbia, according to Splash247. The Ksi Lisims LNG facility is a floating LNG export project that aims to ship Canadian gas to Asian markets. By connecting to this facility, the pipeline enables producers to access international LNG demand, diversifying away from the North American pipeline network.
| Key Project Parameters | Details |
|---|---|
| Pipeline length (subsea) | ~50 km |
| Pipe diameter | 36 and 48 inches |
| Water depth | Shoreline to ~450 m |
| Installation year | 2029 |
| Vessels | Solitaire, Sandpiper |
| Client | Western LNG |
| Facility served | Ksi Lisims LNG (Pearse Island) |
The contract highlights the growing activity in Canadian LNG infrastructure, as multiple projects advance to capture Asian demand. Allseas' expertise in deepwater pipelay positions it as a key contractor for such developments.
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