Fact Check: "First cargoes expected by mid-2025—LNG Canada on track!"
What We Know
LNG Canada has recently announced that it has achieved its first production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) at its facility in Kitimat, British Columbia. The company is reportedly on track to begin loading its first cargoes by the middle of 2025 (CBC). This facility is significant as it is the first large-scale Canadian LNG project to begin production and the first major LNG facility in North America with direct access to the Pacific coast, which is expected to reduce shipping times to Asian markets compared to U.S. Gulf Coast facilities (CBC).
The project, which has a total estimated cost of $40 billion, is backed by major corporations including Shell, Petronas, and PetroChina, and is projected to export 14 million tonnes of LNG annually (CBC). The facility is currently in the commissioning phase, which includes testing and preparing for full operations (LNG Canada).
Analysis
While LNG Canada has confirmed that it is on track to load its first cargoes by mid-2025, it is important to note that the facility has not yet commenced full operations. As of now, LNG Canada is in the start-up and commissioning process, which involves testing the facility with LNG deliveries for equipment testing rather than actual export cargoes (LNG Canada).
The reliability of the information provided by LNG Canada appears to be high, as it comes directly from the company’s official communications. However, the timeline for loading the first cargo is contingent upon successful completion of the commissioning process. This introduces a level of uncertainty, as delays in commissioning could impact the projected timeline (Reuters).
Additionally, while the claim that LNG Canada is "on track" is supported by the company's statements, the actual loading of cargoes will depend on various operational factors that could potentially alter this timeline. Therefore, while the intent and plans are clear, the execution remains to be fully realized.
Conclusion
The claim that "First cargoes expected by mid-2025—LNG Canada on track!" is Partially True. LNG Canada has indeed achieved its first production and is aiming to load its first cargoes by mid-2025. However, the facility is currently in the commissioning phase, and while the company is optimistic, the timeline is subject to change based on operational readiness and testing outcomes. Thus, while the expectation is set, the actual realization of this timeline is not guaranteed.
Sources
- LNG Canada achieves first production of liquefied natural gas in Kitimat, B.C.
- LNG Canada produces first liquefied natural gas for export
- Community Notification: LNG Import Cargo Delivery - LNG
- Canada could produce first LNG by this weekend, sources say
- LNG Canada (14 Mt/year) prepares to ship its first LNG export
