B.C. Clears $2 Billion FortisBC Tilbury LNG Expansion
British Columbia has cleared the way for FortisBC's $2 billion Tilbury LNG expansion, a project aimed at boosting LNG marine fueling capacity at the Port of Vancouver.
(P&GJ) — The British Columbia government has approved regulatory changes that allow FortisBC to advance the more than $2 billion Phase 1B expansion of its Tilbury LNG Facility, a project designed to increase LNG production for the growing marine fueling market at the Port of Vancouver.
The province issued an Order in Council exempting the project from obtaining a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity under the Utilities Commission Act, providing regulatory certainty while allowing the project to move forward. The expansion remains subject to additional regulatory approvals and permitting before construction can begin.
Located in Delta, British Columbia, the Phase 1B expansion will increase LNG production to support rising demand from marine customers operating along North America's West Coast and Pacific trade routes. The project is expected to strengthen the Port of Vancouver's position as an LNG bunkering hub while supporting lower-emission marine fuels.
The regulatory amendments also establish a framework that would allow the Musqueam Indian Band to acquire an ownership interest in the project through a partnership with FortisBC.
"The expansion of the Tilbury LNG Facility is an investment in B.C.'s future, creating jobs, growing our economy and helping reduce emissions through an investment of more than $2 billion," said Adrian Dix, British Columbia's minister of energy and climate solutions.
FortisBC said the project could begin construction as early as mid-2027, with commercial operations targeted for 2031. During construction, the project is expected to generate an average of about 1,100 jobs annually over four years, contribute more than $800 million in GDP, generate approximately $260 million in tax revenue, and provide $15 million to $20 million annually in provincial natural gas royalties.
"Our Tilbury facility is already producing LNG for BC Ferries and Seaspan Ferries," said Roger Dall'Antonia, president and CEO of FortisBC. "With this expansion, we will be able to produce more lower-carbon LNG to fuel the modern generation of ships visiting our coast."