LNG Canada has ramped up production to 1.2 million tonnes per month at its Kitimat facility in British Columbia, marking a key step in bolstering North American gas exports amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The facility, operated by a consortium led by Shell, hit this output level in early March 2026, with the operation now running close to it’s full capacity of 14 million tonnes a year. A proposed expansion would double that capacity to 28 million tonnes a year by the end of the decade.
This expansion comes as global liquefied natural gas markets face potential disruptions from escalating conflict involving Iran, a critical player in energy supply routes. Any sustained interruption in the Strait of Hormuz could choke off up to 20% of the world’s LNG shipments, tightening supply at a time when demand from Europe and Asia continues to climb.
Current production at LNG Canada represents a fraction of its eventual target, but the incremental gains are already providing a buffer for Western markets. The project’s first phase, now fully operational, includes two processing trains with a combined capacity of 14 million tonnes per year. Additional trains are expected to see a final investment decision made later this year, positioning the terminal as one of the largest LNG export hubs in North America.
Geopolitical risks add urgency to these developments. Iran’s role in regional stability directly impacts gas tanker routes, with over 90 million tonnes of LNG passing through vulnerable Middle Eastern corridors annually. North American projects like LNG Canada are increasingly seen as a counterweight to such vulnerabilities, offering a stable supply source for allies seeking to diversify away from risk-prone regions.
As of March 2026, LNG Canada’s export volumes have already secured long-term contracts with buyers in Japan and South Korea, totaling 800,000 tonnes for the current year. This foothold in Asian markets underscores the project’s growing role in global energy security.
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