FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What will be the size of ships calling at the marine jetty?

Vessels calling at Tilbury Pacific will fall within the dimensions the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has approved and will be no larger than the ships seen on the Fraser River.

What will be the frequency of ships calling at Tilbury Pacific?

Once the permanent facility is complete, up to 68 LNG carriers and 69 bunker vessels could dock at Tilbury Pacific each year, if there is customer interest.

What would happen if there was an LNG spill?

In the history of LNG marine shipping, spills and leaks have been extremely rare. In the unlikely event of a leak, LNG will warm, rise and dissipate.

What studies are being done for the project?

The Tilbury Pacific project team is completing multiple studies to assess the project site and surrounding area to develop a plan to design and operate the facility. The following technical reviews are being completed as part of the project study:

  • Surface Water and Hydrology
  • Marine and Terrestrial Flora and Fauna
  • Noise
  • Air Quality
  • Heritage Resources
  • Socioeconomics
  • Groundwater
  • Navigable Waters
  • Marine Transportation Risk Study (HAZID)
  • Accidents and Malfunctions (including effects of an LNG spill)
  • Aboriginal Interests
  • Community Interests
  • Other studies as identified during the project process
What is proposed to be built at the project site?

The proposed marine jetty would consist of:

  • A temporary floating berth
  • A marine jetty with berthing and mooring facilities
  • An access trestle connecting to the shoreline
  • An LNG line linking to FortisBC’s Tilbury LNG facility
  • A vapour return line, water supply, and other utilities
What are the anticipated environmental impacts?

The site has been subject to previous environmental impacts by former mill uses. This proposed project will improve the environmental conditions by removing abandoned marine infrastructure and restoring natural river contours and creating and enhancing aquatic and terrestrial habitat along the site.

Where will the LNG go? Who will the customers be?

At the start of operations, the LNG will be used for local “bunkering” – supplying ships on the water such as cruise ships, cargo ships or ferries. This is an important local service as more ships convert from bunker fuel to liquefied natural gas.

Both BC Ferries and Seaspan Ferries operate LNG-powered vessels with plans to expand their fleets with new ships.

In mid-operating stages, the facility could ship LNG to Asian markets.

Is shipping LNG safe?

Yes. The LNG marine shipping industry has an outstanding safety record with no major spills or incidents in more than 60 years of service.

What are the project benefits to the local community?

By supplying ships that are switching to LNG the project could help reduce local GHG emissions and air pollution.

Tilbury Pacific will create initial jobs during the construction phase and long-term jobs during the operation of the facility.

It will pay municipal taxes for industrial property to the City of Delta, supporting municipal spending in the community.

The proposed project is also an opportunity to remediate the shoreline of the Fraser River to enhance ecological services and function.

How can I provide my input to the proposed project?

The Tilbury Pacific project team is committed to engaging with local communities. Consultation with stakeholders and Indigenous communities is ongoing and the public participated in information sessions in Spring 2019.

For more information about the project, view the poster boards that were displayed at the information sessions. Members of the public can ask questions or share feedback about the project by emailing [email protected] or calling 1-855-592-7725.

How will my input be considered?

During the application review phase, The Environmental Assessment Office will gather feedback from the community. Following completion of this phase, the provincial and federal governments each take into consideration the information prepared by the Tilbury Pacific project team, together with feedback and comments provided by Indigenous groups, stakeholders, the general public and regulatory agencies in deciding whether to approve the project.

In fact, the Tilbury Pacific project team has already made some significant changes to the project to minimize the impact on the local environment and marine life. Examples include:

  • Using tandem berths connected by a walkway to reduce overall footprint
  • Using grating on the walkways to allow 70% more sunlight to pass through, minimizing shading effects to marine life
  • Using lamp shields and other best practice technologies to reduce light trespass
How can I learn more?

Provide your written question to [email protected]

Visit the International Group of Liquefied Natural Gas Importers (GIIGNL) at www.giignl.org/about-lng to read more about LNG.