Trigon Pacific Terminals to repurpose terminal lands for LPG propane exports

More Diversification planning is in motion for Prince Rupert's Trigon Pacific Terminal, with the Industrial site on Ridley Island announcing plans today to redevelop a portion of its existing coal facilities to be rededicated towards liquid petroleum gas (LPG) exports,

In their announcement today Trigon notes: 

The proposed Trigon Pacific LPG Project (Trigon LPG) will create a more diversified, open-market LPG supply chain and much-needed additional export capacity, without the need to develop any new land or build a berth. 

In repurposing existing infrastructure and developed land, Trigon will add upwards of 120,000 cubic metres of new LPG storage capacity and will provide the lowest cost export opportunity for Canadian propane producers, while maintaining steelmaking coal export volumes. 

 "Our aim with this project is to transition Trigon's operations to lower carbon products, while providing the best opportunity for Canadian producers to reach market. With the upcoming ban on thermal coal exports starting in 2030, taking advantage of the available terminal capacity and infrastructure combined with our experience handling propane, the Trigon LPG Project simply makes sense." -- Rob Booker, CEO of Trigon. 

Toward the project, Trigon has completed preliminary design work and, subject to regulatory and other approvals, anticipates being ready to start operations by late 2027. 

It also means a shift in focus for export options for their current second berth now under construction

Trigon LPG would use the terminal's existing rail yard, coupled with new rail unloading facilities, to provide complete unit train unloading. And, with Trigon gaining full use of the LPG loading arms on its existing berth in January 2024, there would be no need to build any additional marine loading infrastructure. 

This will allow Trigon's second berth, currently under construction, to be available for other commodities, such as low-carbon hydrogen-as-ammonia.

The company observes that they are in active dialogue with Canadian producers and overseas customers who are supportive of a new LPG export hub, and of the more open and competitive marketplace that would result. 

Trigon also notes that its Indigenous partners, adjacent communities and Union have also indicated their support for the Trigon LPG Project. 

The full announcement can be reviewed here.

More notes related to Trigon Pacific Terminal can be explored through our archive page. 

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.