HaiSea Marine, a partnership between the Haisla Nation and Seaspan ULC, has completed its 100th LNG carrier escort through the Douglas Channel to Kitimat, British Columbia, approximately one year after conducting its first such operation in April 2025.

The 100th escort saw the dual-fuel tug HaiSea Kermode joined by three fully electric vessels — HaiSea Wamis, Wee’git and Brave — to guide the LNG carrier Valencia Knutsen more than 130 nautical miles to LNG Canada’s marine terminal jetty in Kitimat, located in the traditional territory of the Haisla Nation.

With escort operations to LNG Canada’s terminal scheduled every other day, the company says the pace of activity is set to continue.

Jordan Pechie, president of Seaspan Marine Transportation, commented: “This represents a pivotal moment in HaiSea’s history. With every vessel movement, HaiSea is establishing itself as a recognised part of the community and local economy, and we are continuing to work closely with LNG Canada, the Haisla Nation and other local First Nations to keep operations moving forward safely, together.”

Shawn Jones, senior operations manager and master mariner at HaiSea Marine, remarked: “I’m really proud of the work that the HaiSea team has put in over the past year. We are all working towards one goal — safely escorting vessels in and out of the Douglas Channel, and we’ve been doing that efficiently and with no service interruptions.”

HaiSea Marine was established following discussions between Seaspan and the Haisla Nation. The company has continued to hire mariners from local First Nations communities, including Haisla, Gitga’at and Gitxaala members, providing employment on their home waters.

Maureen Nyce, elected chief councillor of the Haisla Nation, stated: “We are incredibly pleased to welcome the 100th LNG carrier safely into our traditional waters; it is an immensely proud moment for the Haisla Nation. Through HaiSea, we’re seeing clear benefits for our people with steady, meaningful jobs that build careers while allowing Haisla members that important connection to our home and waters. It shows what can happen when strong partnerships are built the right way.”