A New Standard in Workforce Housing: Inside Woodfibre LNG’s Floatel

Major infrastructure projects have increasingly realized the importance of sustainability in developing their approach. This has led to projects planning for long-term success in areas like emissions reduction and improved local hiring practices. At Woodfibre LNG, we’ve embraced a more sustainable approach to workforce accommodation through the use of a floatel instead of a traditional work camp.

The 650-bed floatel, the MV Isabelle X, plays a crucial role in supporting the development of what is set to be one of the world’s first net zero LNG export facilities. Roughly the size of a six-storey building, the Isabelle X spans the length of an entire city block, providing ample space for the construction workforce. Situated at the Woodfibre LNG site, which is only accessible by water, the floatel is a practical solution for housing workers at the site. Roughly every two weeks, employees are ferried from Vancouver to Isabelle X for their work rotations, ensuring smooth and efficient travel to and from the site while avoiding additional traffic on the Sea to Sky highway.

Workers have shared positive feedback about their experience on Isabelle X, highlighting its modern amenities and elevated living standards. The success of the floatel has garnered considerable attention from energy industry peers and, most recently, from The Globe and Mail, who recently spoke to floatel provider Bridgemans about the benefits that floatels hold as an accommodation option for coastal projects.

Sustainability at Its Core

Sustainability is at the heart of the Isabelle X’s design and day-to-day operations, reflecting Woodfibre LNG’s commitment to minimizing environmental impact. Fully powered by clean hydroelectric energy, the vessel operates without diesel, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. Its heating and cooling systems rely on large-scale industrial heat pumps, offering an energy-efficient alternative to traditional HVAC systems and further cutting emissions.

The vessel also features advanced sewage treatment and water purification systems which manage waste responsibly and support the elimination of single-use plastic water bottles, as residents and crew are provided with reusable water bottles, with conveniently placed refill stations located throughout the floatel. Daily operations also prioritize sustainable choices—from the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products to fresh food deliveries in reusable crates.

Digital-first processes, such as paperless check-in and a web app to reduce printed materials, are paired with environmentally conscious products like refillable toiletries in every cabin. Even takeaway meals reflect this commitment, with reusable containers, cooler bags, and bamboo cutlery replacing plastic disposable options. Together, these initiatives form part of a larger waste management strategy tailored to the project’s location and environmental standards assuring that every detail, from packaging to waste disposal, aligns with the goal of reducing environmental impact.

These efforts reinforce Woodfibre LNG’s net zero emissions target and demonstrate how innovation and sustainability can go hand-in-hand to support responsible energy development.

 “The Isabelle X is a key part of our sustainability approach,” said Luke Schauerte, CEO, Woodfibre LNG, “It helps avoid additional GHG emissions from our construction phase and provides a more eco-friendly alternative to land-based accommodations, which have a much larger environmental footprint. This is more than just providing comfortable accommodations—it’s about doing so in a way that aligns with our environmental values.”

Comfort and Convenience for Workers

The Isabelle X is thoughtfully designed to prioritize worker comfort. Each private room is equipped with memory foam beds, high-speed Wi-Fi, and large-screen TVs, ensuring workers have a comfortable and relaxing space to unwind after long shifts.

To further enhance the living experience, the floatel offers a wide range of recreational amenities. The 8,000-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness facility, billiards and games rooms, and coffee shops and the sports lounge provide workers with various ways to stay active, socialize, and enjoy their downtime.

The food offerings aboard the Isabelle X are another standout feature. With three hotel-quality meals served daily, workers have access to a diverse selection of nutritious and satisfying meals, helping them stay energized and focused throughout their shifts. Beyond regular mealtimes, a 24/7 grab-and-go station provides convenient access to fresh fruit, beverages, baked goods, and ready-to-eat meals served in reusable containers. These containers can be taken to work sites and returned for professional cleaning and reuse by floatel staff.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Worker Accommodation

The floatel represents a thoughtful, community-conscious solution to workforce accommodation for industrial projects. In a small town like Squamish, where housing availability is already limited, housing hundreds of workers off-site eliminates any added pressure on an already competitive market. It also avoids the disruptive footprint of constructing a temporary land-based camp—offering the unique advantage of being able to simply “pick up and sail off” when the project is complete. By keeping workers housed offshore, the floatel also reduces demand on local services, while its onboard amenities—including medical services for day-to-day health needs—ensure a self-contained, sustainable environment that supports both the project and the community.

As the Woodfibre LNG facility moves closer to completion, the company remains committed to keeping sustainability at the forefront of every aspect of the project. The floatel is just one of the many ways Woodfibre LNG is working to ensure a responsible and forward-thinking approach to energy development.