NeeStaNan is promoting the development of liquified natural gas (LNG) exports from the traditional territories of Fox Lake Cree Nation near the old location of Fort Nelson, a location that enjoys the northern climates of Canada. Port Nelson, located on the shores of Hudson Bay near the Canadian arctic is an excellent location for the manufacturing and export of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The port location proposed by NeeStaNan, is adjacent to the site of old Fort Nelson and is located near the mouth of the Nelson River. From here, shipping routes to Europe are 3,000 km closer than other LNG shipping routes that originate in the US Gulf of Mexico and represent shipping times that are up to a week shorter than traditional LNG shipping from US suppliers.
Marine Shipping Route: Port Nelson, MB to Europe
Hudson Bay boasts lower ambient temperatures than other LNG manufacturing areas in the US southeast and Gulf of Mexico. These lower ambient temperatures can translate into increased operating efficiencies in the LNG manufacturing process. Other LNG facilities operating in arctic environments report operating cost savings of 15 to 20% over similar facilities in lower latitudes.
Manitoba operates a fleet of hydro power generation plants, all located in the northern reaches of the province. Power from these renewable generation sources is expected to be augmented with the installation of new wind and solar power generation facilities as proposed by Manitoba Hydro and the Province of Manitoba.
In Manitoba, natural gas is primarily sourced from the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB): a basin that boasts more than 200 years of stable, secure supplies of natural gas. Natural gas from the WCSB is some of the lowest-cost gas in the world and can be accessed via:
Canada is a source of responsibly produced natural gas. Standard industry operating practices combined with strict environmental regulations make Canada the most responsible supplier of natural gas in the world.
A recent study undertaken by the Canadian Association Petroleum Producers CAPP) in 2021 showed that out of all of the world’s main oil & gas producing counties, Canada flares the least amount of natural gas. Strict rules and legislation ensure that conservation is maximized and all operating procedures are designed to reduce emissions, including carbon emissions.
Fugitive methane volumes are often cited as an identifiable contributor to Green House Gases (GHG’s). As an alternative to releasing methane directly into the atmosphere, methane is often burned as a flare. While not as damaging to the environment, the flaring of gas in Canada is still avoided whenever possible.
Highest Natural Gas Flaring Countries in the World vs Canada (BCF) July 2021
Port Nelson was first developed in the early 1900’s as an arctic port developed to facilitate the exports of prairie products – namely grain. Fox Lake Cree Nation has a land entitlement position in excess of 23,000 acres in the region north of the Nelson River along the shores of Hudson Bay. This area is predominately low lying, flat land with dry, sturdy underlying land suitable for development. The area and foreshore can accommodate land based LNG manufacturing infrastructure and / or offshore floating LNG manufacturing (FLNG) or Floating LNG storage units (FSU).
Canadian export routes to Europe can assist in developing new market alternatives for Canada’s energy products at time when tariffs proposed by the United States are poised to excessively burden Canada’s economy.
NeeStaNan enjoys considerable industry support in its effort to create new arctic trade routes for LNG exports.
Tourmaline Oil, Canada’s largest natural gas producer is a proud sponsor of NeeStaNan and is a key advocate for the development of new and improved trade corridors that provide Canada with access to new markets at home and abroad. Port Nelson is a port that would give Canadian natural gas greater access to European markets and other markets in the Atlantic basin.
Northern Prince LNG, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NeeStaNan. The MOU sets out each party’s commitment for cooperation and support in more fully evaluating the feasibility of LNG exports through the proposed Port Nelson export point. Northern Prince is currently advancing the development of a 6 million tonne per annum (mtpa) LNG manufacturing facility near Summit Lake, British Columbia. The project would see natural gas received off the Enbridge system, liquefied and then shipped to tidewater via rail. Northern Prince is evaluating the possibility of a similar operating model with NeeStaNan, whereby LNG is manufactured on the prairies and shipped by rail to Hudson Bay where it would be stored on a Floating LNG Storage Unit (FSU) and later transferred to an LNG carrier for further export. More information on Northern Prince can be found at www.northernprincelng.com
