LNG | Northwest Coast Energy News

Washington State proposes converting ferries to LNG

Energy

The Seattle Times reports Plan would convert ferries to liquefied natural gas

A proposal to convert six Washington state ferries to liquefied natural gas could save nearly $10 million a year, consultants have told top Washington legislators.

The conversions of the Issaquah-class ferries would cost $65 million, but consultant Cedar River Group said the money would be paid back in seven years through fuel savings.

The six ferries have a life expectancy of 30 more years…

If the state were to convert the six Issaquah-class ferries built in the 1980s — the Cathlamet, Chelan, Issaquah, Kitsap, Kittitas and Sealth — they would be the first ferries fueled by liquefied natural gas in the nation.

Shell’s go slow approach to Kitimat LNG project means little action before 2015

Energy Environment

When Royal Dutch Shell Canada purchased the Methanex/ Cenovus Energy plant and marine terminal in Kitimat Wednesday, company spokesman Paul Doolan told the media that Shell “is now exploring the potential for an LNG export terminal on the site,” but refused to give any time line for the project.

Now sources have confirmed to Northwest Coast Energy News that at this time it looks as if there will be no major developments in the Shell project until 2015.

Employees of Cenovus were told after the sale announcement that the plant’s condensate operations would be “business as usual” until sometime in 2015.

(After the sale, Cenovus told the media it doesn’t expect changes in
the regular shipments of condensate to change “for the foreseeable
future.” )

As anyone who has gone through a takeover or similar management transition knows, a company’s new management may have ideas that they haven’t discussed with the old regime.

The 2015 date is logical, however, since 2015 is the projected launch date for the first project, KM LNG partners’ Kitimat LNG project.

There are already two projects in the “pipeline” so to speak, the Kitimat LNG and BC LNG projects. As discussions during the June National Energy Board hearings that led to the approval of the KM LNG export licence last week showed, the two companies must come to an agreement on some of the pipeline capacity coming into Kitimat, sharing “the molecules,” that favourite phrase of natural gas analysts.

Shell will also have to go through the National Energy Board process for granting an export licence.

With energy companies rushing to exploit the shale gas resources in northeastern BC and in Alberta. and growing demand for the natural gas in Asia, transportation of the natural gas is a big question, since it appears Shell and its partners will have to build new pipelines since the existing pipelines into the Kitimat region will be at full capacity.

Where will that new pipeline be built? How will that new pipeline be built? That question is already being widely debated in Kitimat. Ever since Enbridge has announced that it too is interested in joining the natural gas export boom, the question has been: could a natural gas pipeline replace the proposed Northern Gateway bitumen pipeline or does Enbridge intend to build two pipelines? If it is the latter, Enbridge, and possibly Shell, can expect years of hearings, protests and delays because while people in northwestern BC are generally accepting of natural gas projects, there is fierce and still growing opposition to the bitumen pipeline.

Shell confirms purchase of Methanex site, marine terminal, in Kitimat for LNG project

Energy

The former Methanex site is seen the red square in this map of the Kitimat service centre prepared by Enbridge as part of its Northern Gateway pipeline proposal and filed with the Joint Review panel. The yellow line is the proposed Enbridge bitumen pipeline. The dark red line is the proposed pipeline that would feed the Kitimat LNG and likely the BC LNG projects, where the red pipeline route has white, that is the Pacific Trails Pipeline. See How Kitimat harbour will look if both Northern Gateway and KM LNG go ahead.

Updated Oct. 20, 2011, 0955

Kitimat mayor Joanne Monaghan has confirmed that Royal Dutch Shell has purchased the former Methanex site in town, “as a first step toward a proposed Liquified Natural Gas facility in Kitimat.”

Monaghan said she met with Shell executives on Wednesday afternoon, when the long rumoured purchase of the Methanex site was confirmed.

Thursday morning, Shell spokesman Stephen Doolan said that the company and its partners
also acquired the Kitimat Marine Terminal. Shell’s partners include Korea Gas Corp, Mitsubishi Corp and China National Petroleum Corp, Doolan said.

Both sites were owned by Cenovus Energy which purchased them in 2010 from Methanex for a reported $40 million.

Monaghan also said that the Shell officials said the company will not be making an announcement of the details of their plans for another few weeks.

If the Shell project goes ahead, it will be the third liquified natural gas project in Kitimat.
The others are KM LNG partners’ (Apache, Encana and EOG) Kitimat LNG plant at Bish Cove and the smaller project from BC LNG.

The Methanex plant on the Kitimat river permanently ceased methanol production November 1, 2005. Methanex currently uses the Cenovus terminal in Kitimat to import
methanol to supply customers in western Canada. Cenovus uses the terminal and site to process condensate, used to dilute bitumen, that arrives by ocean tanker and then is shipped by rail to Alberta.

The future of condensate operation has been in doubt since the announcement of the Enbridge Northern Gateway project, since it was expected that the Cenovus condensate operation would have been absorbed into the Enbridge operation.

If the Methanex/Cenovus site is converted to a full LNG facility, current operations will have to be decommissioned first, Monaghan said.

Multiple sources in Kitimat have been saying for the past month that Shell had purchased the Methanex site, but official conformation only came from the mayor late Wednesday.

NEB approves KM LNG export licence

Energy

The National Energy Board has approved KM LNG’s (also known as Kitimat LNG) application for an natural gas export licence.

A NEB news release says:

The National Energy Board (NEB or the Board) today approved an application by KM LNG Operating General Partnership (KM LNG) for a licence to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Kitimat, British Columbia to markets in the Asia Pacific region.

The export licence authorizes KM LNG to export 200 million tonnes of LNG (equivalent to approximately 265 million 10³m³ or 9,360 Bcf of natural gas) over a 20 year period. The maximum annual quantity allowed for export will be 10 million tonnes of LNG (equivalent to approximately 13 million 10³m³ or 468 Bcf of natural gas).

The supply of gas will be sourced from producers located in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. Once the natural gas has reached Kitimat by way of the Pacific Trail Pipeline, the gas would then be liquefied at a terminal to be built in Bish Cove, near the Port of Kitimat.

The construction and operation of the pipeline and the terminal will require provincial regulatory decisions.

This is the first application for an LNG export licence that the Board has considered since the de-regulation of the natural gas market in 1985.

In approving the application, the Board satisfied itself that the quantity of gas to be exported does not exceed the amount required to meet foreseeable Canadian demand. The exported LNG will not only open new markets for Canadian gas production, but the Board believes that ongoing development of shale gas resources will ultimately further increase the availability of natural gas for Canadians.

Prior to approving the licence, the Board considered environmental and related socio-economic effects of KM LNG’s application. These effects included matters related to marine shipping, and the proposed LNG terminal and Pacific Trail Pipeline.

The Board also acknowledges the potential economic benefits associated with KM LNG’s project. These benefits include employment opportunities due to the development of the LNG terminal and the Pacific Trail pipeline.

Kitimat mayor Joanne Monaghan said, “I am glad they got it, because now the project can move forward.”

KM LNG is owned by Apache Canada Ltd. (40 per cent), EOG Resources Canada Inc. (20 per cent) and Encana Corp. (20 pre cent). The Front End Engineering for the LNG terminal at Bish Cove is now underway. The companies say a final investment decision will be made in early 2012.

A news release from Apache said:

“The Kitimat LNG project represents a remarkable opportunity to open up Asia-Pacific markets to Canadian natural gas and we’re leading the way in being able to deliver a long-term, stable and secure supply to the region,” said Janine McArdle, Kitimat LNG President. “This export licence approval is another major milestone for Kitimat LNG as we move forward and market our LNG supply. LNG customers can have even more confidence in a new source of supply.”

“Today marks a historic day for Canada’s natural gas industry and this is fantastic news for our project and the communities where we operate. Kitimat LNG will bring revenues and jobs and the associated benefits to Canada,” said Tim Wall, Apache Canada President. “The Kitimat LNG partners are very pleased with the NEB’s approval of our export licence and we’d like to thank them for their support and confidence in the project.”

Text of NEB Decision on KM LNG(pdf)

US, European companies looking at LNG powered ships

Energy Environment Shipping

As one ship is grounded off New Zealand, causing an environmental “catastrophe” and a second is grounded off Nova Scotia, a shipping company in New Orleans has announced that it will commission two vessels powered by a duel fuel system that includes liquified natural gas.

Harvey Gulf International Marine of New Orleans, Louisiana and Trinity Offshore of Gulfport, Mississippi said Friday it will build two offshore 92 metre (302 foot) supply vessels, with a price tag of $55 million each with an option for a third. These vessels will service the oil and gas rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.

New Orleans City Business report

The vessels will also have environmental features to meet US ENVIRO+ Green Passport Certification by the American Bureau of Shipping.

The ship’s propulsion system will be built by a Finnish company called Wärtsilä, which specializes in natural gas power plants on land and integrated marine engine systems, as well as designing ships, including large ferries.

Wärtsilä

In a news release, John Hatley, a vice president of Wärtsilä North America remarked that “We are witnessing a transformation of the marine industry as it charts a course towards a new era for natural gas. It’s exciting for Wärtsilä to be a trusted partner in this launch with industry leader Harvey Gulf, whose natural gas supply vessel investment actions of today signal a coming paradigm shift. This is aimed at capturing operational savings while simultaneously reducing emissions.”

The company website says it supplies power systems for LNG carriers as well as container vessels, bulk carriers, drilling rigs and ships, offshore research vessels, floating production units, cruise ships and yachts.

The duel fuel system combines conventional marine fuel systems, gasoline, light fuel, heavy fuel or biofuel with liguified natural gas.

European shipping companies are adopting the duel fuel technology to meet emission standards that come into effect 2013.

Wärtsilä

The website says

This dual-fuel capability means that when running in gas mode, the environmental impact is minimized since nitrogen oxides (NOx) are reduced by some 85 per cent compared to diesel operation, sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions are completely eliminated as gas contains no sulphur, and emissions of CO2 are also lowered. Natural gas has no residuals, and thus the production of particulates is practically non-existent.

The shipping industry finds the operational savings that gas offers to be very compelling. Similarly, the significant environmental benefits that LNG fuel provides are of increasing importance. With fossil fuel prices, and especially the cost of low sulphur marine fuel, likely to continue to escalate, gas is an obvious economic alternative.

Two-stroke engine

On September 23, Wärtsilä, announced that it is now working on a two-stroke liquified natural gas engine. The website says:

Wärtsilä… has successfully tested its new low-speed gas engine technology in trials conducted at the company’s facilities in Trieste, Italy….
Wärtsilä successfully demonstrated that the engine performance fully complies with the upcoming IMO Tier III nitrogen oxide (NOx) limits, thereby setting a new benchmark for low-speed engines running on gas.

The new RTX5 2-stroke test engine is part of Wärtsilä’s 2-stroke dual-fuel gas engine technology development programme. This is an important part of the company’s strategy to lower emissions, increase efficiency and to develop its low-speed engine portfolio to include dual-fuel gas engines alongside its medium-speed dual-fuel engines.
“The decision to initiate this project was announced in February 2011, just seven months ago. The fact that we have already conducted a successful test shows that our gas engine technology is at the forefront of meeting the future needs of shipping, a future that stipulates more stringent environmental regulation….

The tests with the RTX5 engine will continue during the autumn and winter of this year, and into 2012. More details about the engine technology and its performance will be announced upon completion of the programme.

Kitimat, B.C.: Ground zero in the race to fuel Asia: Globe and Mail

Energy Environment

The Globe and Mail Report on Business has a major report on Kitimat, LNG and pipelines

Kitimat, B.C.: Ground zero in the race to fuel Asia

A green light for the Kitimat LNG project could see the rapid establishment of a regional export hub, one that major global energy players are keen to join. By the end of this decade, three billion cubic feet a day of gas could flow through Kitimat – equal to all of B.C.’s current production and close to 20 per cent of Canada’s current output.

Bitumen or no bitumen? That is the question in the pipeline

Energy

On Thursday, Enbridge CEO Patrick Daniel told Reuters that the company “would prefer to supply natural gas to the Kitimat liquefied natural gas plant in British Columbia over any other export project in western Canada.”

That immediately raised a question in the northwest is Enbridge thinking of replacing the Northern Gateway bitumen pipeline with a natural gas pipeline? Or is it planning two pipelines?

So far Enbridge has not responded to a request from Northwest Coast Energy news for clarification.

This afternoon, Jeff Lewis writing on Alberta Oil’s website in Another suitor sidles up to Kitimat LNG says:

No word yet on whether Tim Wall, the CEO of Apache Canada Ltd., is keen to take on another partner for the massive development. (The Reuters report has Enbridge building a natural gas line in conjunction with its proposed Northern Gateway line, which is to be twinned with a pipe for importing bitumen-thinning condensate from the coast; there’s no mention of sending natural gas west on the Gateway website).

But the question still remains. The Reuters report actually isn’t that clear on whether it will be a bitumen pipeline twinned with a natural gas pipeline or a natural gas pipeline substituted for the bitumen pipeline.

Here is what Reuters said.

Enbridge plans to build a natural gas pipeline along the route of the proposed Gateway oil line, which would transport natural gas from Horn River and other natural gas fields to the coast by 2016, Daniel said.

There is already speculation and rumour in Kitimat about the Enbridge announcement. Environmental activists have long feared that there would be a twinning of the two projects, while many people sitting on the fence were willing to accept liquified natural gas but not bitumen.

If there is any truth to the rumours circulating in Kitimat, there may be more corporate announcements after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend that will make the situation a little clearer.

Enbridge plans natural gas pipeline along Northern Gateway route

Enbridge CEO Pat Daniel has told Reuters in New York that the company would prefer to supply natural gas through Kitimat to Asia “over any other export project” and that Enbridge plans to build a natural gas pipeline along the route of the
proposed Northern Gateway bitumen pipeline.

Pat Daniel was interviewed by Reuters reporter Edward McAllister. In a story with a New York place line the agency reports:

Pipeline operator Enbridge Inc
would prefer to supply natural gas to the Kitimat liquefied natural gas
plant in British Columbia over any other export project in western
Canada, the company’s chief executive told Reuters on Thursday.

Enbridge is interested in joining one of two proposed Canadian LNG
projects to ship natural gas to Asia, it said this week, as ample North
American supply pushes gas prices far below global levels.

But the location of Kitimat has attracted Enbridge more than Royal Dutch Shell’s potential project in Prince Rupert, also in British Columbia, company head Patrick Daniel said in an interview.

“Kitimat is the preferred project. Pipelining into Kitimat is
relatively straight forward compared to Prince Rupert, which is the
other proposed port,” Daniel said, though talks continue with both
projects…..

Enbridge plans to build a natural gas pipeline along the route of the
proposed Gateway oil line, which would transport natural gas from Horn
River and other natural gas fields to the coast by 2016, Daniel said.

A window of opportunity opens in Japan for Canadian LNG: Alberta Oil

Energy

Alberta Oil magazine says in A window of opportunity opens in Japan for Canadian LNG

Nuclear outages in Japan continue to stoke demand for delivering Canadian gas to the Far East. Look for oil- and natural gas-fired generation to offset a precipitous drop in atomic capacity as maintenance work at plants, combined with public safety pressures, keeps a fleet of 54 reactors from running at full capacity, the International Energy Agency (IEA) says. Japan’s nuclear reactors normally account for 27 per cent of the country’s electricity demand, but only 16 were online in August, five months after a massive earthquake rocked the coastal city of Sendai and sent officials scrambling in search of alternatives to the atom.

The country is one of several potential sales destinations for a suite of liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals taking shape on Canada’s West Coast at Kitimat, British Columbia. Two of the most advanced proposals, including a 10-million-tonne capacity project led by Apache Canada Ltd. and another, smaller co-operative that would ship 1.8 million tonnes abroad annually, are both seeking 20-year export licenses from the National Energy Board….

Enbridge says it is joining LNG export rush

Energy links

Reuters and the energy media are reporting that Enbridge told an investor conference call this morning the company is joining the liquified natural gas export rush.

In Enbridge eyes Canada LNG exports, Reuters reports:

Enbridge Inc said on Tuesday it is in talks with potential producers to export overseas liquefied natural gas from Canada, joining a lengthening list of North American companies looking to tap thirsty markets in Asia.

Enbridge would be interested in existing projects being developed in Canada, executive vice president Al Monaco said at a presentation, just as ample supply pushes North American natural gas prices to 11-month lows.

“We would certainly be interested in LNG exports, right from the midstream pipeline side, right up to the LNG export facility itself,” Monaco said at the company’s investor day in Toronto, which was webcast.

“We are in discussions with potential producers. That is probably a little bit longer term,” he added.

Both Reuters and the industry news site Upstream Online report that Enbridge would consider buying into an existing project.

Heavy oil pipeline in Columbia

Upstream Online also reports that Enbridge is considering a heavy oil pipeline from the interior of Columbia to the Pacific coast of South America.

“Over the past few months we’ve been discussing a possible project to access tidewater off the western coast,” Monaco said. “The line would provide direct access to the Pacific markets which have an appetite for heavy crude and provide takeaway capacity for the growing volumes that are coming from central Colombia.”

Monaco said the producers have confirmed their interest in the project, dubbed Oleoducto al Pacifico, and provided Enbridge with the money to carry out a feasibility review to determine the line’s route, capacity and costs.

Kitimat is the terminal point for the KM LNG and BC LNG points as well as the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway project that would carry bitumen from Alberta to the terminal. All project contemplate exporting to the hungry markets of Asia.