LNG Canada’s new tug berth in Kitimat required engineered docks and a breakwater capable of supporting escort and harbour tugs operating in the challenging conditions of the Douglas Channel.
To help deliver this infrastructure, the Bridgemans Kitamaat Joint Venture engaged Pacific Marine Construction (PMC) to fabricate more than 600 feet of reinforced concrete docks and a 197’ × 46’ × 14’7” breakwater, built in parallel with the Electric Tug Maintenance Facility and designed to meet strict engineering and schedule requirements.
The tug berth is designed to support modern escort and harbour tugs, including emerging low-emission and battery-assisted fleets operating in Kitimat. These vessels play a critical role in maneuvering LNG carriers, ensuring safe transit and berthing at the export terminal.
To meet operational demands and withstand continuous environmental loading, the berth required:
- Engineered tug docking structures
- A durable breakwater capable of absorbing wave energy
- Embedded systems for mooring, electrical integration, and charging infrastructure
PMC’s fabrication scope formed the structural foundation of this upgraded marine system.
Leveraging multiple fabrication yards in Campbell River, B.C., allowed PMC to work at scale while maintaining schedule certainty and engineering precision. Across our facilities, teams constructed concrete hulls, installed steel embeds, and prepared each section for marine transport.
Once fabrication milestones were achieved, the structures were launched and secured for a 500-kilometre tow north to Kitimat, where they were staged for integration with piling, electrical components, and charging systems managed by the Bridgemans site crews.
The floats were connected using engineered pockets, 63mm threaded rods, and shear keys, allowing for accurate, time-efficient assembly on the water.
- 6″ reinforced concrete bottoms
- Six internal ballast tanks per hull
- 300mm × 300mm composite rubber fendering with 25mm vulcanized UHMW face
- 6″ × 6″ galvanized tie-up rails
- 20T galvanized cleats
- Embedded steel for:
- 12 external galvanized pile retainers
- Extensive topside cable trays
- Electric tug charging structures
- Connection pockets with 63mm threaded rods and shear keys
- Engineered to absorb wave energy
- Protects the tug basin
- Stabilizes terminal infrastructure
The tug berth facility is delivered through the Bridgemans Kitamaat Joint Venture, a partnership with the Haisla Nation that reflects a strong commitment to Indigenous leadership in regional infrastructure development.
PMC’s role supports this collaborative model, contributing marine structures that align with community expectations, engineering standards, and long-term operational goals.
