Kitimat go-ahead gives Canadian LNG welcome respite

After years of missteps and doubt, Shell is finally to move ahead with the Kitimat LNG project

The supermajor announced the final investment decision for the C$40bn ($30.1bn) liquefied natural gas venture on Canada's west coast on 1 October. The green light was given after much handwringing from governments, investment bankers and indigenous groups over the economic and environmental merits of the plan. It'll be the largest private-sector infrastructure project in Canada's history when it comes into service after 2023. Shell holds a 40% stake in the LNG Canada project, in partnership with a consortium of state-owned heavyweights, including Mitsubishi, Kogas and Petronas. All have signed production joint ventures with domestic upstream producers and each party will be responsible for s