Steelhead LNG Names Pipeline Exec

Vancouver-based Steelhead LNG said March 14 it has enticed the former CEO of gas mid-streamer Terasen (now FortisBC) out of retirement to head up development of the $8bn pipeline that will supply its planned 24mn metric tons/year (mt/yr) Kwispaa LNG terminal on Vancouver Island.

Randy Jespersen has been appointed executive chairman, pipeline, and will sit on the board of directors of Steelhead LNG.

“As a respected leader in the North American energy sector, who has contributed greatly to the economic and environmental framework of western Canada, Randy Jespersen will play a significant role in the company as we continue our quest to connect clean, low-cost Canadian natural gas with energy hungry global markets,” Steelhead LNG CEO Nigel Kuzemko said. “Randy’s Canadian energy sector experience delivering major natural gas pipeline projects in BC complements the already strong community and LNG skill base of our leadership team.”

Jespersen’s career in natural gas began with Dome Petroleum and later Amoco in both Calgary and Houston. In 1996, he joined Terasen, where he held various roles including vice president, gas supply, before being named president and CEO in 2002, a position he filled until his retirement in 2010.

During his time at Terasen, the company grew rapidly, and he was instrumental in leading a number of major projects, including the Southern Crossing pipeline, the Whistler natural gas extension and the Mt. Hayes LNG storage facility on Vancouver Island.

In his role at Steelhead, Jespersen will direct the development of a pipeline to deliver feed gas from producers in northeast BC and northwest Alberta. Currently, the company is assessing a pipeline corridor that would extend from Chetwynd to Williams Lake, southwest to Powell River, across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island and across the island to the Kwispaa LNG terminal site at Sarita Bay, on the west coast.

In January, Steelhead shortlisted four EPC contractors to bid on FEED work for Kwispaa, with a target to enter the FEED stage by the middle of this year. Kwispaa LNG is being developed jointly by Steelhead and the Huu-ay-aht First Nation.