Perfect 6: Full House on LNG Berths in Ras Laffan Port (Qatar)

The achievement of 77 million tonnes per annum (Mta) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) production capacity by the end of 2010 confirms the country’s position as the world’s leading producer of LNG with the largest production capacity – by far.

Ras Laffan Port is the point of export of this clean energy product and commenced operations in September 1996. Since that time, the Port and its berth facilities have been increased significantly to cater for the exports of new and expanded industries. The present Port covers an area of 56 square kilometers and serves a fast-expanding hinterland of the Ras Laffan Industrial City. It is the gateway for Qatar’s principal export earner – Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) produced from the North Field. In addition it handles a growing volume of a variety of cargoes, both liquid and dry bulk. The Port is an ultra modern and purpose built being one of the top exporting ports in the Middle-East & Asia regions.

On the 24th of February and for the first time, all the six (6) LNG berths were occupied with tanker vessels loading LNG cargoes for various destinations in the globe. Captain Feisal Saad, Ras Laffan Port Manager, said, “With six (6) operational LNG berths, the Port is the World’s premier LNG exporting facility, double the size of its nearest rival. The scene of 6 LNG vessels loading occupying all the LNG berths simultaneously is something that we will get used to see more often. This scene is only possible in Ras Laffan.”

All 4 berths from LNG3 to LNG6 are capable of handling the largest new generation of LNG carriers aptly designated as Q-Flex and Q-Max that were specially designed and built to transport Qatari LNG to the world’s market. In 2010, LNG1 berth was upgraded to receive up to Q-Flex size tanker vessels. LNG2 will similarly be upgraded in the future to receive the Q-Flex vessels. Further LNG berths expansions are possible in the expanded Port area in the future if required to a total of 10 LNG berths.

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Source: Qatar Petroleum, February 28, 2011;