LNG Canada’s first shipment of liquefied natural gas is expected to depart from Kitimat in the coming days, with LNG carriers set to pass through Gitxaała territory along Principe Channel. The Gitxaała Territorial Management Agency says the vessel will travel empty on its outbound journey, returning full within days, both trips accompanied by escort tugs.
To ensure safety, vessel movements will be monitored in real-time by GTMA staff and on-the-water Guardians. All marine traffic is expected to follow Transport Canada’s Waterway Safety Guidelines, especially in identified Areas of Concern where extra caution is required to protect local marine users and shoreline harvesters.
GTMA is also working with MarineLabs to monitor vessel wake using buoys deployed at nine locations. These buoys collect critical data to evaluate how large ship traffic impacts the Gitxaała coast.
In preparation for potential marine emergencies, the Nation has developed Geographic Response Strategies for 63 high-value coastal sites. These plans offer responders clear tactics and equipment requirements to protect sensitive cultural and ecological areas in the event of an incident.
Community members and mariners are urged to report displaced buoys and remain alert as LNG traffic increases in the region.
