Although nothing formal is in place, Pacific NorthWest LNG says all indication are boats will in fact be permitted to travel under the jetty trestle protruding from Lelu Island.
The company changed the design of the 2.4 kilometre jetty to be 11 metres tall so that vessels could navigate the calmer waters close to Lelu as opposed to being forced out into the more open waters offshore. However, the decision is one that was out of Pacific NorthWest LNG's hands and in the hands of regulators, who have seemed to warm up to the idea.
"We now have verbal approval from the Prince Rupert Port Authority and Transport Canada to allow vessels under the trestle. It is done on a project-by-project basis and in this case they have weighed the local need to be near the shore in rough weather versus the risk of boats travelling in more open water," said Pacific NorthWest LNG environmental advisor Brian Clark.
As for movements in and out of Porpoise Harbour, Clark said boaters shouldn't expect too much to change.
"The only possible restriction will set by the port out at the berth, just at the lading facility. It is an international thing, you don't go near carriers while loading, and it ranges from 100 metres to 300 metres," he said.