Linking natural gas to markets around the globe

LNG is loaded and unloaded through insulated pipes and transported in double-hulled carriers specially designed to handle the low-temperature cargo. The carriers are approximately 300 metres long and need a minimum water depth of 13 metres when fully loaded. The depth of the Douglas Channel and Port of Kitimat are ideal for LNG carriers.

Each LNG vessel carries insulated, double-walled stainless steel LNG tanks. Despite the insulation, small quantities of LNG evaporate in transit, and many carriers capture the LNG and use it as fuel to power the vessel. LNG carriers have sophisticated safety systems, including leak detectors and emergency shutdown systems.

A safety record to be proud of

Transportation of LNG via ship has a long record of safe operation. In LNG’s 50-plus year shipping history, LNG ships have traveled more than 151 million miles without a major incident. LNG’s shipping safety record is due to continuous improvement in technology, safety equipment, comprehensive safety procedures, training, equipment maintenance and effective government regulation and oversight. According to the Center for Liquefied Natural Gas, over the history of LNG shipping, there have been no collisions, fires, explosions or hull failures resulting in a loss of containment for LNG ships in ports or at sea.

LNG is transported at normal atmospheric pressure, which means it is not held under pressure and as a result, is non-explosive.

Worldwide, there are close to 350 carriers that transport LNG, and total cargos equal more than 120 million metric tonnes of LNG.

Storing LNG

LNG Canada would receive natural gas that would be transported via pipeline to the facility in Kitimat, British Columbia. Once there, it would be cooled and liquefied for shipping via LNG carrier to overseas markets. At the LNG facility, LNG would be stored in insulated storage tanks until ready to be shipped.

LNG would be loaded onto LNG vessels via insulated pipes and once the LNG arrived at its destination, unloaded into storage tanks where the LNG would be warmed to a point it converts back to its gaseous state, and then shipped via pipeline to its intended destination.