Floating LNG Plant Proposed for Saanich Inlet

The Mill Bay-based Malahat First Nation and Vancouver-based Steelhead LNG have entered into a partnership - to be known as Malahat LNG  - to develop an liquefied natural gas facility in Bamberton, about 40 kilometres north of Victoria, B.C. 

The floating plant would be moored to the shoreline of the Malahat-owned land formerly known as Bramberton, and would be expected to generate revenue for 30 years, according to Steelhead.

Representatives of the partnership made the announcement of a mutual benefits agreement and a long-term lease. The proposed floating liquefaction facility moored to shore would have capacity to process up to six million tonnes of LNG per year.

Malahat First Nation CEO Lawrence Lewis said benefits are already starting to flow to the area as a result of the deal, but he stressed the project is in its early stages and it's unlikely there would be anything built on the site for at least five years. "This is another step forward and another indication that the nation is open for business," he said.

The project will require regulatory approvals. The partners say they will now begin public consultations, including with other First Nations.