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Doha:
Qatargas, the World’s Premier LNG Company, today announced a historic milestone when the ‘Al Safliya” became the first Q-Flex type LNG vessel, and largest LNG vessel by cargo capacity, to transit the Panama Canal. The ‘Al Safliya’, a Q-Flex vessel with a cargo carrying capacity of 210,000 m3 of LNG, a length of 315 meters, and breadth of 50 meters, successfully completed the 82 kilometer transit on 12 May 2019 according to plan, and established the new world record.
Commenting on this milestone, His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the President & CEO of Qatar Petroleum, said: “We are extremely proud of this achievement by Qatargas, which adds yet another benchmark to its capabilities as a safe and reliable LNG company. We wish to congratulate Qatargas and the Panama Canal Authority on achieving this historic milestone. Qatar is committed to enhancing the depth and flexibility of our global LNG supply portfolio even further, and this milestone achievement will undoubtedly lead to future business opportunities.”
Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer, Qatargas, said: “Qatargas has a rich tradition of setting records, and we are very pleased to announce that the ‘Al Safliya’ has successfully transited the Panama Canal. This achievement illustrates our commitment to premier performance and leading the LNG industry. At Qatargas, we continuously strive to innovate and optimise our business to meet the needs of current and future customers.”
This remarkable achievement followed many months of careful planning by Qatargas and the vessel Operator, Pronav Ship Management Gmbh, as well as close collaboration with the Panama Canal Authority (ACP).
The Panama Canal was expanded in 2016 through the completion of new ‘Neopanamax locks’, thereby allowing LNG vessels to pass through the canal. In April 2018, the ACP announced it would accommodate vessels up to 51.25 meters wide, opening the prospect for Qatargas’ Q-Flex vessels to transit.
The successful transit of ‘Al Safliya’ through the Panama Canal creates future triangulation opportunities for the 31 Qatari Q-Flex vessels, allowing them to discharge cargoes in the Pacific Basin and then proceed to the Atlantic basin to load their next cargo.
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About Qatargas:
Qatargas, established in 1984, pioneered the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) industry in Qatar and today is the largest producer of LNG in the world with an annual production capacity of 77 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) from its world-class facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar. Since the first production in 1996, Qatargas has successfully delivered cargos to 31 countries and is committed to meeting the world’s demand for safe, reliable and clean energy. Through its operational excellence, Qatargas is adding value to its production chain, contributing to the Qatari economy and Qatar’s National Vision 2030 to ensure efficient energy supplies for the country, creating new markets and contributing to the local community. In addition to the LNG facilities, Qatargas operates the Jetty Boil-Off Gas facility, Al Khaleej Gas, two Helium Plants, the two Laffan Refineries (among the largest condensate refineries in the world), and the Ras Laffan Terminal on behalf of all shareholders.
For media enquiries please contact:
Daniel Yates, Tel: +974 3322 5726 DaYates@qatargas.com.qa
Thajudeen Aliar, Tel: +974 3340 6474 TAliar@qatargas.com.qa
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