Located on Watson Island in the vicinity of Prince Rupert, B.C., the facility is best viewed as a small-scale rail terminal, moving LPG from rail cars to vessels destined for international markets.

There is no on-site processing or refrigeration, and the terminal is limited to handling and storage.

The facility is comprised of approximately 5 kilometres of new rail ladder tracks and three above-ground propane storage spheres. Propane is offloaded and stored at the rail terminal following delivery by CN via its existing rail lines. The terminal is expected to operate at 20,000 barrels per day with a capacity of 25,000 barrels per day. Propane is the only product that Pembina plans to handle at the facility. The propane is extracted off site from natural gas supply in northern BC and Alberta and will be transported from our Redwater Complex northeast of Edmonton to Prince Rupert by rail. The project capital budget was $250 million.

Pembina’s propane export terminal in the Prince Rupert area is a welcome investment in our province. I am glad to see companies like Pembina finding ways to repurpose land to deliver sustainable development solutions. The project is creating local jobs and enhancing partnerships in the North Coast that will benefit local and Indigenous communities for decades to come.

Gas Plant Operator Training Program

The construction of the Prince Rupert Terminal provided significant economic benefits to the Prince Rupert area including a Gas Plant Operator training program established by Pembina in partnership with the Coast Mountain College in Prince Rupert.

"The face-to-face learning distinguished this program and boosted the ability of students to master new information. It’s been great to see the program participants gain confidence in their skill sets and continue to build their knowledge at the new terminal." - Tara J. Leighton, Employment Coordinator, Metlakatla First Nation

Community support for PRT

"The Prince Rupert propane export terminal is an example of another successful investment initiative in our region that supports future growth and sustainable development in Northern British Columbia. Pembina has been a great community partner and neighbour to us. It is both encouraging and a great relief to support a project that will create meaningful employment opportunities and see brownfield sites like Watson Island remediated to serve our community once again." - Jennifer Rice, MLA, North Coast, B.C.

What is LPG?

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is derived from the family of light hydrocarbons, called natural gas liquids (NGL). Recognized for its low environmental impact, propane is one of the cleanest and most versatile fuels in existence. At normal atmospheric pressure and temperatures above minus 42 degrees Celsius, propane is a non-toxic colourless and odourless gas. It becomes a liquid when cooled and pressurized. Propane is stored and transported as a liquid and doesn’t become a gas until it is used.

Common uses include household heating, cooking, barbeques and power generation.

"Diversifying export markets for Canadian natural resources creates jobs for our proud energy workers. The Prince Rupert propane export terminal will increase the competitiveness of Western Canada's propane producers and strengthen Canada's position as a reliable supplier of low-cost energy to the world."

The Honourable Seamus O'Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources

Prince Rupert Terminal

Watch a vessel leave port

View the map

Site Transformation Timeline

2016

2017

2018

2021