FortisBC is filling 20 more LNG containers bound for China, the company said Thursday.

The containers are being filled at the Tilbury facility in Delta for the China Energy Reserve and Chemicals Group, based in Beijing. The containers are expected to set sail shorty, and more shipments are planned throughout 2018, FortisBC said in a joint-announcement with CERCG.

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"China's supply of LNG is currently quite limited, so we are seeking new sources of LNG to meet future demand," said Henry Liu, the Canada representative for CERCG, in a statement.

"We see a very good business future here in Canada and we are pleased to work with FortisBC to deliver LNG to China."

FortisBC said it has delivered two two-container shipments to CERCG to Shanghai earlier this year, after filling Canada’s first LNG shipment to China late last year.

"FortisBC is exploring opportunities to provide small-scale customers in China with LNG to help them achieve their goals of reducing air pollution," Douglas Stout, FortisBC’s vice-president of market development and external relations, said in a statement.

"Through these shipments B.C.-produced natural gas is playing a small, but growing role in the global action against climate change."

Once filled, the containers will again be delivered to Shanghai, where the use of coal, wood, and vehicles has been restricted by the government to curb air pollution, according to the announcement.

“The Chinese people care deeply about family and future generations so they are concerned about the long-term impacts of air pollution," Liu said.

"They see the first priority as improving air quality now and then ensuring there is a greener future for the next generation."

FortisBC says the expansion of its Tilbury facility is substantially complete, and expected to be fully operational later this year. Future LNG shipments will be filled by both the Tilbury and Mount Hayes facilities, the company says.