Suncor cancels proposed Voyageur upgrader

Suncor Energysays it is not going ahead with its Voyageur oilsands upgrader project.

The company says market conditions have changed significantly, challenging the economics of the project.

The Voyageur upgrader was part of a joint venture Suncor inked with the Canadian arm of France's Total just over two years ago.

Suncor says it has acquired Total E&P Canada Ltd.'s interest in the upgrader for $515 million to gain full control over the partnerships assets.

Suncor took a $1.49-billion writedown on Voyageur in the fourth quarter of 2012.

The company says it will take a charge to its first quarter net income and cash flow from operations of approximately $140 million and $180 million respectively as a result of the decision.