LNG Canada: A Wealth of Opportunity for Electrical Contractors

Aug 28, 2019

This past June, the Government of Canada announced the single largest private sector investment in its history: a $265 million injection into LNG Canada’s export facility in Kitimat, BC.

This latest boost to the project, which began construction in December 2018, signals a promising future, and plenty of opportunities for Electrical Contractors as the project progresses.

We spoke with Rebecca Boys, External Affairs Manager of JGC Fluor (JFJV), the joint venture organization in charge of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) for the groundbreaking Kitimat project, to find out exactly how ECs can make the most of the wealth of opportunities it has to offer.

Project Phases: The Timing is Right for Electrical Contractors

While the JFJV website lists upcoming contract and procurement opportunities, it’s helpful to have the complete scope of project phases in mind.

“JFJV is currently building the Cedar Valley Lodge (the project’s worker accommodation center), clearing and preparing the site for future stages and building a Material Off-loading Facility for receiving materials during construction,” explains Boys.

Work on the LNG tank, piling, and underground piping and electrical is scheduled to begin later this year, while 2020 will see concrete foundations, the LNG loading berth and administration buildings going in. Major mechanical and electrical work will begin in 2021.

So what does this mean for electrical contractors? “Very little of the electrical contracting scope has been awarded thus far,” says Boys. “Some of JFJV’s large EPC Contractors may require electrical subcontractors in 2020 and 2021, but a lot of the electrical work won’t be required until late 2021 and into 2022.”

In other words, now is the time to throw your hat in the ring.

Who JFJV Wants to Work With: Do You Make the Cut?

While anyone can fill out an introductory questionnaire, JFJV has some specific requirements for the contractors they will work with:

“JFJV is looking for safe, experienced, small, medium and large contractors to support the construction effort on the LNG Canada Project,” says Boys. “Depending on the size of the scope of work to be subcontracted, JFJV will consider numbers of contractors.”

And if you are a local or First Nations Electrical Contractor, you have everything to gain from bidding, since JFJV will be giving priority to ECs who fall into those categories.

Submitting a Proposal: How to Put Yourself Forward

With all the work to be awarded, the question stands: what is the best way for ECs to put themselves forward? Boys recommends visiting the JFJV Kitimat website. There, ECs can register their companies, “for opportunities directly with JFJV or with JFJV contractors,” and stay current on any upcoming contract opportunities.

With so many opportunities coming down the pipeline, it makes good sense to stay connected and current with where the project is headed next.

Are you looking to bring your A game on your next big bid? Find out how from an electrical industry expert.

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