Qatar Celebrates Achieving 77 Mta LNG Production Capacity

At an official ceremony yesterday, Qatar celebrated achieving 77 million tonnes per annum of liquefied natural gas (LNG) production capacity, reconfirming the country’s position as the world’s leading producer of the chilled fuel.

The event was held at Ras Laffan Industrial City under the patronage and presence of the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, and was hosted by Abdulla Bin Hamad Al Attiyah, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Industry, and Chairman of Qatar Petroleum.

Abdulla Bin Hamad Al Attiyah said, “I would like to congratulate His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani and the people of the State of Qatar on this momentous occasion which demonstrates Qatar’s growing role in delivering LNG to the world.”

“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,” he added.

Sheikh Khalid Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer, Qatargas, said, “Qatargas is very proud to be able to make a significant contribution towards realising His Highness the Emir’s vision for the State of Qatar to achieve 77 Mta of LNG production capacity by the end of 2010. Since delivering our first LNG cargo 14 years ago, Qatargas has followed a remarkable, well planned course of growth and expansion, thanks to the guidance and support from His Excellency the Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Industry, Abdulla Bin Hamad Al Attiyah.”

“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. On this historic occasion, I would like to thank and congratulate the employees of Qatargas for their contributions towards this achievement. I would also like to thank all our shareholders for their support. Our thanks are also due to all our contractors involved in the construction and maintenance of our facilities,” he said.

Hamad Rashid Al Mohannadi, RasGas’ Managing Director said, “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 and RasGas is proud to have played a significant role in this success. As we developed our industrial infrastructure, as we increased our production capacity, and as we grew our business in markets around the world, we were guided by the overarching vision of His Highness the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani and steered wisely, year by year, by His Excellency Abdulla Bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Industry.”

“RasGas – and Qatar – has proved itself to be a secure, reliable supplier of LNG, with an excellent record of delivering projects on budget and on schedule. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Board of Directors, shareholders and RasGas employees, as well as our customers and contractors, for their continued support and dedication to making Qatar’s 77 Mta production capacity a reality,” he added.

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.”

Jim Mulva, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ConocoPhillips said, “ConocoPhillips is proud of our participation in the Qatargas 3 project. It increases our company’s global LNG output, while contributing to Qatar’s achievement of reaching total LNG production capacity of 77 million tonnes per annum. During the five years of development work, we have enjoyed the opportunity to establish close, collaborative relationships with Qatargas, Qatar Petroleum and the people of Qatar.”

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 our Qatari partner.” HE Al Attiyah added, “The 77 Mta achievement is a very significant moment in Qatar’s history and none of this would have been possible without the visionary leadership of His Highness The Emir who envisioned the transformation of the Ras Laffan area into Ras Laffan Industrial City, which is today the largest LNG export hub in the world.”

Abdulaziz Al Muftah, Director, Ras Laffan Industrial City, added, “This is a great achievement which makes the vision of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani a reality. It has been possible through the leadership and support of His Excellency Abdulla Bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Deputy Premier and Minister for Energy and Industry, along with the commitment of each individual in Qatar Petroleum, Ras Laffan Industrial City, RasGas and Qatargas. 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.”

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Source: Qatar Petroleum, December 14, 2010;