Steelhead LNG in legal disputes with Cedar and Rockies LNG

Vancouver-based Steelhead LNG is in legal disputes with two Canadian liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects over patent infringement and the unauthorised use of proprietary facility design information.

Cedar LNG is a proposed floating LNG facility in Kitimat, British Columbia, that brings together the Haisla Nation and Pembina Pipeline Corporation.

Read more: Cedar LNG initiates engineering and construction work, targets 2028 start-up

In relation to the project, Steelhead LNG is alleging that the project infringes on its Canadian patent and seeking injunctive relief preventing the use of Steelhead LNG’s patented solution, as well as significant damages.

Patent litigation happens when one party brings a lawsuit against another party, alleging that the defendant, in this case Cedar LNG, has infringed upon a patented invention without the necessary permission or license.

Victor Ojeda, President at Steelhead LNG, said, “We strongly prefer open dialogue and constructive collaboration, but there must be respect for Steelhead LNG’s intellectual property portfolio.”

In a separate legal battle, Steelhead LNG has also advanced a series of claims against Rockies LNG, including alleging that Steelhead LNG’s proprietary facility design information was improperly used to initiate the Ksi Lisims LNG project on the West Coast of Canada.

Steelhead LNG has also sought injunctive relief and significant damages against Rockies LNG and its partners in that case.

Read more: Black & Veatch SHI awarded FEED for Canada’s Ksi Lisims LNG project

The accusations made by the LNG project developer come in conjunction with it being awarded two new patents for its near-shore floating LNG production facility system in the US and South Korea. These new patents complement the company’s existing patents in Canada, Australia, and Mexico.

Steelhead LNG’s system incorporates electric drive compressors, air cooling modules, and integrated storage, among other features, to achieve carbon emission reduction and avoid harmful environmental impact.

Ojeda said, “We are delighted to receive these patents in the USA and South Korea. This recognition validates our decade-long efforts to pioneer sustainable LNG solutions that meet the evolving needs of industry and society.”