Trigon Pacific Terminals Leads Low-Carbon Future with New Infrastructure Projects

Trigon Pacific Terminals handled 9.1 million metric tonnes of dry and liquid bulk products in 2024, strengthening its position as the largest terminal by volume at the Port of Prince Rupert.

In a Jan. 23 release, the company announced this accounts for nearly 40 percent of the port's total exports.

The multi-commodity bulk terminal handles a range of commodities, including steelmaking and thermal coal, petroleum coke, iron ore pellets, and liquid propane gas (LPG).

Trigon saw continued demand from international markets, with 90 percent of its exports destined for Japan, China, and South Korea.

However, coal exports saw a 23 percent decline over last year.

"The reduction in coal volumes in 2024 was largely a function of natural ebbs and flows in coal production at mines (e.g. as production shifts from one area to another within a mine site), together with mine permitting delays also impacting their production. Port and rail labour disruptions were further but much lesser contributing factors," Trigon Terminals told The Northern View.

"Coal volumes will likely recover this year," the company added.

Navigating Global Challenges

"Reliable and competitive open access to international markets from Canada's west coast is vitally important - especially in light of the US trade tensions," said Rob Booker, CEO of Trigon.

In line with its strategic goals, Trigon advanced three major infrastructure projects in 2024, including the ongoing construction of Berth Two Beyond Carbon (B2BC), the Trigon Pacific LPG project, and preparations for a future low-carbon energy export hub on its "Area A" lands.

Diversification Initiatives

The Trigon Pacific LPG project aims to redevelop part of Trigon's existing facilities for handling liquid petroleum gas (LPG) exports, including propane and butane. This plan aims to make the LPG supply chain more diverse and sustainable by using current infrastructure, which means no new land or berths need to be developed. The terminal says this approach is cost-effective and has a low environmental impact.

Trigon already has experience handling LPG, as it currently provides train unloading and vessel loading services to a separately owned LPG facility that sub-leases land from Trigon.

It is developing a low-carbon energy export hub on 42 hectares of land on the west side of the terminal, called "Area A" lands. This is where they plan to build an ammonia export facility.

In 2024, they completed site preparation activities. Trigon is collaborating with governments and potential partners to create an ammonia export supply chain for Asia-Pacific.

Ammonia will be used as a fuel that emits no carbon when burned, which is important for Trigon's "hydrogen-as-ammonia" technology. They use this term because ammonia can be used directly as fuel or as an efficient carrier for hydrogen, enabling its transportation across the globe.

"Hydrogen also has tremendous potential as a low-to-no carbon fuel," said Trigon.

The Berth Two Beyond Carbon project also went under construction and will nearly double the terminal's capacity. Trigon notes it will be the first Canadian export infrastructure designed specifically with hydrogen-as-ammonia handling opportunities in mind.