LNG Canada reaches final stage before production

LNG Canada has officially begun the final phase before starting liquefied natural gas (LNG) production at its facility in Kitimat, British Columbia. 

This major step involves cooling the plant—a necessary process before LNG can be produced and exported.

Cooling process underway

According to Reuters, LNG Canada started using refrigerants to cool the plant on Tuesday. Natural gas is expected to be introduced into the facility shortly after.

This process, known as "cool-down," prepares the machinery for LNG production by gradually bringing it to the extremely low temperatures required to liquefy natural gas.

Cooling the system in advance helps reduce gas flaring (the burning of excess gas) during the plant’s startup and ensures equipment operates smoothly as it adjusts to the gas flow.

First LNG cargo expected mid-2025

The Maran Gas Roxana, an LNG carrier, recently arrived in Kitimat to deliver LNG for use in the cooling process.

LNG Canada has estimated that the full cool-down phase may take up to three weeks. Equipment testing has been going well, and the company says it remains on schedule to ship its first cargoes by mid-2025.

Once operational, the plant will have the capacity to produce 14 million metric tons of LNG per year, marking a significant milestone for Canada’s energy sector.

LNG Canada Reaches Final Stage Before Production

Impact on U.S. exports

Currently, nearly all of Canada’s natural gas exports go to the United States.

In 2024, Canada exported around 8.6 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) via pipeline—up from 8.0 bcfd in 2023. However, the launch of LNG Canada is expected to change that dynamic.

With this new export facility, Canadian energy producers will be able to access global markets, reducing their reliance on the U.S. and opening up new opportunities for growth and revenue.

A global partnership

LNG Canada is a joint venture backed by some of the world's largest energy companies: Shell, Petronas, PetroChina, Mitsubishi Corporation, and Kogas.

This collaboration represents a major investment in Canada’s future as a key player in the global LNG market.

Looking ahead

As LNG Canada moves into this final phase of pre-production, the energy world is watching. The project's success could reshape Canada's natural gas export landscape and position the country as a competitive LNG supplier on the international stage.