Pacific NorthWest LNG has a new president at the helm.
Petronas, the Malaysian-based leader of the LNG consortium, which proposes to build an $11.4 billion LNG export facility on Lelu Island off of Port Edward, named Adnan Zainal Abidin the new president of the project.
Replacing Michael Culbert, who returned to Progress Energy Canada Ltd. as full-time president and CEO, Abidin now moves from his role as vice-president of global LNG projects to Pacific NorthWest (PNW) LNG president.
“Michael Culbert returned to Progress Energy Canada Ltd. as a full-time president and CEO to focus on the significant activities in the northeast necessary to supply natural gas to Pacific NorthWest LNG,” said Spencer Sproule, senior advisors of corporate affairs for PNW.
Progress Energy is another Petronas-owned entity and produces natural gas.
“Adnan brings over 30 years of experience with Petronas to Pacific NorthWest LNG. Adnan was responsible for numerous Petronas LNG projects, including Floating LNG, expansion at the Petronas LNG Complex and represented Petronas’ interests for the Gladstone LNG project in Australia,” Sproule added.
“Adnan has been involved in the Pacific NorthWest LNG proposal since its inception in 2012 and has the project and leadership experience to see the project through to the next stage.”
Sproule mentioned that with the change in leadership, there is no switch in focus for the project or change in direction.
The company still awaits word from the federal regulator on its response to the latest Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency’s request for more information.
“While the environmental assessment process has been time-consuming and rigorous, we anticipate a decision by the Government of Canada on our project soon after the final report is provided to the Minister of Environment,” Sproule said.