The facility will be located at Fermeuse Harbour, a port situated in the small town of Fermeuse on the Avalon Peninsula, around 80 kilometers south of St. John’s, the provincial capital. According to the company, the project aims to transform Newfoundland and Labrador into a significant LNG exporter to Europe and other global markets.
Fermeuse Energy intends to use advanced LNG technology to develop offshore associated gas reserves in the Jeanne d’Arc Basin, which are estimated at 9.7 trillion cubic feet. The company explained that Fermeuse Harbour offers an ice-free port with access to European destinations and emerging Arctic routes such as the Northwest Passage, helping reduce transit times and emissions.
Swapan Kataria, CEO of Fermeuse Energy and Crown LNG, highlighted the potential of the project: “We are proud to lead a transformative project that will harness Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore gas reserves to create a sustainable energy future. By evolving the Fermeuse Marine Base into a liquefaction hub, we’re not only building on local GBS expertise to create jobs and economic resilience, but we’re also contributing to Canada’s role in the global energy landscape. This initiative will deliver environmental benefits as a low-emission fuel, and positions Canada as a nation to respond to the growing Energy gap in Europe and the United Kingdom.”
The project is expected to generate thousands of construction jobs and more than 500 permanent positions. The Fermeuse Marine Base, which already supports offshore oil and gas development, features nearly one kilometer of quayside and heavy-lift capacity.
Local authorities have expressed support. The Town Council of Fermeuse has endorsed the project and encouraged the Provincial Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the Federal Government of Canada, to extend similar backing. Jerome Kenny, Mayor of Fermeuse, said: “We are thrilled to see Fermeuse Energy’s vision come to life in our community. This project represents a tremendous opportunity for economic development, bringing well-paying jobs and long-term stability to our residents.”
Canada has multiple LNG projects underway at different stages. These include Woodfibre LNG, which is reported to be halfway to completion, and Cedar LNG, where construction of a floating LNG vessel began in May. At present, the country’s only operational LNG export plant is LNG Canada, located in Kitimat, British Columbia. Operated by Shell, the facility has an annual capacity of 14 million tonnes and began exports earlier this summer, reaching its tenth shipment milestone in early September.
Fermeuse Energy’s plan marks a significant step in expanding Canada’s LNG export capacity, while supporting local economic growth and contributing to global energy supply diversification.
