The Prince Rupert LNG project will not become a reality on the North Coast.

BG International, a member of Shell Group, has confirmed that is discontinuing any development on its proposed liquefied natural gas project that was to be on Ridley Island.

“After a careful review Shell has decided to not continue with the Prince Rupert project,” said Rosa Miller, community relations manager for Prince Rupert LNG.

BG Group had put the project on hold in 2014, and in 2016, after Shell acquired BG Group, the LNG project became a part of the global portfolio review of combined assets leading to the decision to end development.

While the project was under review, the regionally based team, including Miller, continued to work in the area to support environmental initiatives and social investment activities. The Prince Rupert office will remain open until May.

The plant was proposed to produce 21 million metric tonnes of LNG a year. Natural gas from northeastern B.C. would have been transported through Spectra Energy's pipeline, the Westcoast Connector Gas Transmission Project.

The project site is on the southwestern section of Ridley Island and covers approximately 255 acres, federal Crown land that is under the authority of the Port of Prince Rupert.

“We are disappointed to see Shell bring an end to this particular project on Ridley Island, at the same time we are working with a number of other proponents who have projects either proposed or underway for Ridley Island," said Michael Gurney, manager of corporate communications for the Port of Prince Rupert.

"The port is excited to continue its development plan aggressively building one of the strongest and fastest ports on the west coast,” said Michael Gurney, manager of corporate communications for the Port of Prince Rupert.

Shell's withdrawal opens up the possibility for other LNG development on Ridley Island.

There have been reports that Pacific NorthWest LNG is discussing relocating its docking facility away from Flora Bank, where there is a significant eelgrass bed, an important habitat for juvenile salmo