LNG Canada tanker traffic falls short of expectations

The LNG tanker GasLog Glasgow loads the first export cargo of super-cooled liquefied natural gas for delivery to Asia earlier this year. Five vessels picked up shipments in September, falling short of expectations. Photo by LNG Canada

The number of tankers carrying liquefied natural gas from LNG Canada’s terminal fell short of analysts’ expectations last month, as technical hiccups have slowed the B.C. facility’s startup at a tough time for Western Canada gas producers.

Just five vessels sailed from the terminal in Kitimat, B.C. during the month of September, LNG Canada confirmed last week. It was seven that had been expected, RBC Capital Markets said in note which pointed to a slower ramp-up of production at the Shell plc-led project since operations began in July.

Roughly 15 tanke