Doha, Qatar, 16 April 2011: Announced today, Qatargas Operating Company Ltd. ("Qatargas") has committed, thus far, to supply additional LNG volumes equivalent to sixty plus conventional LNG cargoes to Japan, demonstrating its commitment to support its long-term Japanese customers, the Japanese people and the Japanese economy.

Sixty conventional LNG cargoes represent approximately 4 million tonnes of LNG.   In other words, this is enough energy to generate approximately 28 terrawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity, or enough to meet the average electricity consumption, of five million Japanese households for a year.

This commitment is announced after Qatargas' Chief Executive Officer Khalid Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, returned from last week's visit to Japan, where he led a Qatargas delegation to meet with senior officials from Japanese utility and gas companies.

Delivering upon the directive of support, given by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry for the State of Qatar, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatargas.   Qatargas CEO Khalid Bin Khalifa Al-Thani stated:

"Whilst I was in Japan I could see for myself the urgency to help so we need to move quickly.

The ability to swiftly secure these supplies for Japan clearly shows that Qatargas is well placed to help Japan during its moment of need. The speed at which we have been able to secure additional supplies of LNG is a testament to our flexibility, our commitment to our long-term customers and the good working relationship we have with them.  In turn we are providing Japan with a continuous source of secure and reliable energy. "

Qatargas, the world's largest LNG producer, has an excellent track record of delivering LNG both to Japan and globally through a secure and reliable means; thus demonstrating, the pioneering role of Qatar, as a flexible and reliable energy supplier.

Confirming Qatargas is working to meet Japan's increased requirements for LNG Qatargas's CEO added:

"These additional cargoes of LNG will be supplied to a number of our long-term customers over the next 12 months. The first of these cargoes was discharged whist I was still in Japan and I anticipate further sales."

-Ends-

About Qatargas:
1. Qatargas was established in 1984 and pioneered the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry in Qatar.

2. Today, Qatargas, under the guidance of His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy & Industry of the State of Qatar and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatargas, is the largest LNG producer in the world, with an annual LNG production capacity of 42 million tonnes per annum (mta) realising its vision to deliver LNG to its customers around the globe, from its world-class facilities in Qatar.

3. Qatargas has seven LNG trains, of which four are the largest in the world - known as mega trains - each with a production capacity of 7.8 mta. 

4. The Qatargas vision is, by 2015 to be the world's premier LNG Company, known for its people, innovation, operating excellence, environmental responsibility and corporate citizenship.

5. Since the establishment of Qatargas 1, it has completed a successful expansion program that has included the development of Qatargas 2; Qatargas 3 and Qatargas 4 projects; Laffan Refinery, a dedicated fleet of ships, and an LNG Receiving Terminal. Qatargas operates these trains and the offshore as well as the Laffan Refinery, the Common Sulphur facilities on behalf of all users.

6. Qatargas is proud to be the major contributor to the realisation of the vision of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, for the State of Qatar to be the largest LNG producer in the world, with a combined production capacity of 77 Million tonnes per annum by the end of 2010.  This achievement was celebrated in December 2010.

7. Today, Qatargas' customers are spread throughout the four corners of the world in Asian, European and North American markets including Japan, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, the United States and China.

8. Discovered in 1971, the North Field - the world's largest natural gas field - contains more than 900 trillion cubic feet of gas. This huge field has enabled Qatar to become one of the world's major exporters of LNG.

9. In 1992 and 1994 two Sales and Purchase Agreements were signed with Chubu Electric and seven other Japanese power and gas companies for Qatargas to supply six million tonnes of LNG per year for a 25 year period to Japan.  Japan is the foundation customer market for Qatargas.

10. From its Qatargas fleet of LNG Carriers Qatargas continues to safely and reliably deliver its LNG to Japan.

For Media Enquires Please Contact:
Lynda James
Email:lyjames@qatargas.com.qa
Ph: +974 7799 66 35

Thajudeen Alair
Email: taliar@qatargas.com.qa
Ph: +974 3340 6474

Qatargas Japan Liaison Office
Contact details:
Jassim Mohammed Darwish
General Manager
Email: jmdarwish@qatargas.com.qa 

© Press Release 2011