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Qatar is No.1 LNG producer

By Nasser Al Harthy Ras Laffan: Qatar celebrated yesterday with dazzling displays of acrobatics by aerialist teams, divers and light show at the venue with the design inspired by an LNG tank in Ras Laffan Industrial City to mark the country's production capacity milestone of 77 million tonnes per annum (Mta) of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The milestone reconfirms the country's position as the world's leading producer of LNG with the largest production capacity by far. This momentous feat realises the vision of the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who set the target for the end of 2010.

Based in Ras Laffan Industrial City ( RLIC ) Qatar's 14 LNG trains, including six mega trains which produce 7.8 million tonnes each annually are operated by the two companies Qatargas and RasGas Company Limited, together provide the full 77 Mta production capacity. Qatari LNG is now delivered to over 23 markets across four continents.

Besides, Qatar has a fleet of 54 LNG vessels representing some 20 percent of the world's total LNG fleet. The country also pioneered the use of Q-Flex and Q-Max carriers, the biggest and most efficient LNG ships in the world.

The 77 Mta Celebration Event, which was the State's highest profile energy industry event this year, was held at Ras Laffan Industrial City under the patronage and presence of the Emir and was hosted by the Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Industry, H E Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, who is also Chairman of Qatar Petroleum ( QP ).

Some 1200 VIP guests from around the world, including the 23 countries to which Qatar currently exports LNG, attended. The guest list included local and overseas ministers, industry leaders and senior executives from the world's leading energy companies, as well as from the world of art, media, entertainment and sport.

Al Attiyah said: "The State of Qatar promised to realise the vision of His Highness the Emir for Qatar to reach LNG production capacity of 77 million tonnes of LNG per annum by the end of 2010. This milestone brings to fruition years of investment in infrastructure and expertise which has enabled us to go from zero to 77 Mta in a mere 14 years. Qatar today has invaluable credentials as a key innovator in the global LNG market, with a reputation for delivering LNG to global markets safely, reliably and efficiently."

Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer of Qatargas , said: "Today's celebration underlines Qatar's position as the world leader in LNG. Qatar has an important role to play in the energy security of countries across the globe to which we deliver and we are committed to delivering our LNG to customers safely and reliably."

Hamad Rashid Al Mohannadi, RasGas Managing Director noted that reaching 77 Mta of LNG production capacity by the end of 2010 is a defining moment in Qatar's history as a gas producing and exporting nation.

" RasGas has proved itself to be a secure, reliable supplier of LNG, with an excellent record of delivering projects on budget and on schedule," he said and thanking the company's Board of Directors, shareholders and RasGas employees, as well as its customers and contractors, for their continued support and dedication to making Qatar's 77 Mta production capacity a reality.

Rex W Tillerson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Exxon Mobil Corporation said: "Qatar's visionary leadership and the remarkable story of its natural gas development are truly an inspiration for the world." While Jim Mulva, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ConocoPhillips noted that his company's participation in the Qatargas 3 project increases its global LNG output, while contributing to Qatar's achievement of reaching total LNG production capacity of 77 million tonnes per annum.

Peter Voser, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Dutch Shell plc said: "Through being shareholders in Qatargas 4 and our contributions to Qatargas Operating Company and Nakilat, Shell is proud to play its part in supporting Qatar in this achievement which brings more natural gas, the cleaner-burning fossil fuel, to more people around the world"

Christophe de Margerie, Chief Executive Officer of Total, said Total is honored and proud to be associated with Qatar's LNG development from the very outset and to share this unbelievable adventure with its Qatari partner.

Abdulaziz Al Muftah, Director, Ras Laffan Industrial City , added that Ras Laffan, since its inception, has been developed as the hub of the gas industry in Qatar. "It has world class infrastructure, facilities, utilities and services. Ras Laffan Port is the world's largest LNG exporting facility. I believe that this a glorious moment for Qatar, its people and the energy industry and will provide a bright and prosperous future for generations to come."

© The Peninsula 2010