Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd. (“Hanwha Ocean”) nnounced that it has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Kanata Clean Power & Climate Technologies Corp. (“Kanata”) regarding the proposed development of Kanata LNG, a floating liquefied natural gas (“FLNG”) export project planned for Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada. Kanata’s proposed project is expected to have a capacity of up to 12 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
Kanata estimates total capital expenditures for the project at approximately US$15.7 billion, subject to final engineering, commercial arrangements and regulatory approvals. Under the terms of the MOU, Hanwha Ocean and Kanata intend to explore potential opportunities for cooperation across several technical and commercial areas, including:
- Engineering and construction of floating LNG production and related facilities;
- Operations and maintenance services over the facilities’ operating life;
- Strategic equity participation by Hanwha Ocean or affiliated entities;
- Long-term LNG purchase arrangements; and
- Midstream solutions including LNGC, LNG BV and more.
Kanata LNG is being developed as a floating LNG export facility located near Prince Rupert, North America’s closest Pacific port to Northeast Asia. The project is intended to leverage modular construction and marine-based liquefaction technology to provide scalable export capacity. Kanata has also offered participating First Nations the opportunity to acquire up to a 50 percent ownership interest in the project, subject to negotiations, financing arrangements and applicable approvals.
The proposed Kanata LNG project remains subject to numerous approvals and conditions, including environmental assessments, engagement with Indigenous communities, regulatory approvals and the negotiation and execution of definitive commercial agreements.
Hanwha Ocean is currently participating in discussions regarding Canada’s future submarine capability requirements. This cooperation is consistent with Hanwha’s ongoing efforts to contribute to Canada’s industrial objectives within the scope of its Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) considerations. The purpose of this MOU is to explore potential areas for industrial cooperation in Canada, including, where permissible under applicable procurement rules, opportunities related to the Canadian Patrol Submarine Program in which Hanwha intends to participate.
Philippe Levy, President of Hanwha Ocean’s Energy Plant Unit, said: “Canada has world-class natural gas resources and strong long-term potential to support reliable LNG supply to Asia-Pacific markets. We are pleased to establish this strategic relationship with Kanata and to explore how Hanwha Ocean’s FLNG, offshore engineering, construction, and marine energy capabilities could contribute to the proposed Kanata LNG project. Hanwha Ocean has extensive experience delivering complex offshore energy facilities and believes floating LNG can offer a flexible and scalable pathway for new LNG export developments where the technical, commercial, environmental, and regulatory conditions are properly aligned. This MOU is an important first step. Significant work remains before any final investment or project execution decision can be made, and we look forward to working with Kanata to evaluate the opportunity in a disciplined and responsible manner.”