Trigon Taps New CEO to Drive Green Energy and LPG Export Expansion
- $173 million: Cost of the 'Berth Two Beyond Carbon' project, supported by Transport Canada's National Trade Corridors Fund.
- 33.5 million tonnes: Estimated annual capacity of the terminal once the B2BC project is completed.
- 2.5 million metric tonnes per annum: Expected export capacity of the Trigon Pacific LPG facility.
Experts would likely conclude that Trigon's leadership transition and strategic projects position the company to become a key player in Canada's green energy and LPG export markets, though success hinges on resolving legal challenges and executing complex infrastructure initiatives.
Trigon Taps New CEO to Drive Green Energy and LPG Export Expansion
PRINCE RUPERT, BC – January 21, 2026 – Trigon Pacific Terminals Ltd. has initiated a significant leadership transition designed to accelerate its pivot toward green energy and diversified exports, appointing company President Craig Olley as its new Chief Executive Officer. The move, part of a planned succession, sees outgoing CEO Rob Booker transition to a new role as Strategic Advisor for Diversification and Expansion.
The change at the helm of Prince Rupert's largest export terminal comes at a critical juncture for the company as it pushes forward with multi-million-dollar projects aimed at transforming its operations. Olley, who will also join the Trigon board, is tasked with steering the company through the completion of its ambitious 'Berth Two Beyond Carbon' project and navigating the commercial complexities of a proposed large-scale liquid petroleum gas (LPG) export facility.
A Strategic Handover for Ambitious Growth
The succession has been carefully orchestrated to ensure continuity while injecting new momentum into Trigon's strategic initiatives. Rob Booker, who has led the company since early 2020, is credited with laying the foundation for this transformation.
"On behalf of the Board, I thank Rob Booker for his strong leadership, which significantly advanced Trigon's diversification and transformation into the company we are today," said John Staudinger, Chair of Trigon's Board of Directors. "Rob has raised the bar for profitability, operations, safety and environmental performance that are now deeply ingrained within Trigon and we are grateful that he will continue to be a part of Trigon in the Strategic Advisor role."
During his six-year tenure, Booker not only maintained the terminal's position as the port's volume leader—handling 9.1 million metric tonnes in 2024—but also championed the vision for a low-carbon future. A key achievement under his leadership was securing a $75 million federal grant for the terminal's second berth project. In his new advisory capacity through 2026, Booker will continue to guide these expansion efforts, supporting a seamless transition he initiated with Olley's appointment as President in November 2024.
Craig Olley steps into the CEO role with decades of executive experience in mining, transportation, and port terminal operations. Before joining Trigon, he served as Vice President of Operations at Neptune Terminals in Vancouver, where he focused on strategic planning and operational performance. His extensive background, which includes an Executive MBA from Simon Fraser University, positions him to oversee not only the complex day-to-day operations but also the execution of Trigon's large-scale capital projects.
"I am excited by the opportunities ahead for Trigon. Through Rob's focus and efforts, the company has strong momentum, and I look forward to building on that foundation," said Mr. Olley. "We have a fantastic team with the energy and drive to deliver for the customers and communities we serve."
Booker expressed his confidence in the new leadership, adding, "It has been an honour and privilege to serve as Trigon's CEO for the past six years... I look forward to seeing even greater success as Craig leads Trigon into this next phase."
Doubling Down on Diversification
Olley’s immediate focus will be on two transformative projects that represent the future of the terminal. The 'Berth Two Beyond Carbon' (B2BC) project is a cornerstone of Trigon's strategy to become a premier export hub for clean energy. The $173 million initiative, supported by Transport Canada's National Trade Corridors Fund, involves constructing a second deep-water berth designed to handle next-generation commodities.
This new infrastructure will position Trigon to become Canada's primary west coast export point for hydrogen-as-ammonia, a fuel source in high demand in Asia-Pacific markets like Japan and South Korea for their decarbonization efforts. The berth will also handle other products like wood pellets and mineral concentrates. With marine construction well underway and on schedule for completion by late 2026, the first vessel is expected in early 2027. Once operational, B2BC will nearly double the terminal's annual capacity to an estimated 33.5 million tonnes.
Equally ambitious is the 'Trigon Pacific LPG' project. The company announced a Final Investment Decision in June 2025 for the $750 million facility, which is designed to export 2.5 million metric tonnes per annum of propane and butane. The project is critical for providing Western Canadian producers with competitive access to global markets, diversifying Canada's energy trade beyond its traditional reliance on the United States.
However, this project faces a significant hurdle. Trigon is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with the Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) over an exclusivity agreement the port holds with a competing LPG joint venture between AltaGas and Vopak. Trigon argues this agreement creates an unfair monopoly and is blocking its right to diversify its commodity base as per its lease. The outcome of this legal challenge will be a major test of Olley's leadership and will significantly impact the competitive landscape for Canadian energy exports.
Indigenous Partnerships as a Cornerstone
Central to Trigon's identity and strategy is its unique ownership structure, which includes equity positions held by the Lax Kw'alaams and Metlakatla First Nations. This "shared prosperity model" is more than a corporate social responsibility initiative; it is a fundamental part of the company's business operations and long-term vision.
The model ensures that the Indigenous communities on whose traditional territory the terminal operates are direct beneficiaries of its success, through benefits agreements that support training, employment, and community development. This partnership has garnered strong support from Indigenous leaders for Trigon's diversification plans.
Chief Councillor Garry Reece of the Lax Kw'alaams Band has previously stated that the LPG project is about "bringing long-term benefits to our people, our land, and future generations," highlighting the power of true partnership. Similarly, Chief Robert Nelson of the Metlakatla First Nation has emphasized that Trigon's model ensures Indigenous communities have a "strong voice, a stake, and a future" in major projects within their territory. This deep-rooted collaboration provides a stable foundation for growth and aligns the company's expansion with principles of economic reconciliation and sustainable development. Booker made strengthening these relationships a priority, a legacy Olley is expected to build upon as he guides the company forward.
Navigating the Competitive Waters of Prince Rupert
Under Olley's command, Trigon is poised to solidify its role as a critical artery for Canadian trade with Asia. Accounting for nearly 40% of the Port of Prince Rupert's total exports in 2024, the terminal is an indispensable link for Western Canadian producers. The port's strategic location offers the shortest shipping route between North America and Asia, a key advantage in global logistics.
The success of Trigon's diversification will not only depend on project execution but also on its ability to navigate the port's competitive and regulatory environment. The legal fight over LPG export rights underscores the high stakes involved as different players vie for a share of Canada's growing energy export market.
As Craig Olley takes the helm, he inherits a company with a clear vision, strong momentum, and the backing of its community partners. His challenge will be to translate that vision into reality, completing complex infrastructure projects, resolving commercial disputes, and ensuring Trigon remains a leader in Canada’s evolving trade relationship with the world. His leadership will be pivotal in determining whether the terminal can fully capitalize on its potential to become a diversified, next-generation energy export powerhouse.
