 Through this joint logistics research collaboration, Qatargas and Shell aim to develop new ways to optimize supply chains to deliver to LNG global markets.
The research will be conducted at the Qatar Shell Research & Technology Centre at the Qatar Science & Technology Park.
The MOU was signed by Mr. Faisal Al Suwaidi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Qatargas Operating Company, and Mr. Andy Brown, Managing Director of Pearl GTL and Qatar Shell Country Chairman. Also present at the signing was Mr. Ahmed Al Khulaifi, Chief Operating Officer, Commercial & Shipping at Qatargas and Mr. Wael Sawan, Vice President New Business Development of Qatar Shell.
Faisal Al Suwaidi said:“We are pleased to be able to be a partner with Shell in this research project. As a company we are committed to innovation and operational excellence. This research partnership we hope will develop and enhance our logistics and supply chain capabilities to allow Qatargas to deliver energy to our customers in the most effective and efficient manner possible as we grow and expand into almost every LNG market.”
Andy Brown said: “Qatargas is set to become the world’s premier LNG producer, and Shell is a pioneer in LNG spanning five decades. Therefore, it is of significant importance that Shell and Qatargas work together on this research topic to optimise LNG supply chains in the ever-more complex LNG markets. This new research compliments the work we are already doing at the science park on upstream and GTL technologies. It also reinforces Shell’s commitment to help develop Qatar’s research capabilities.”
Shell is a shareholder in Qatargas 4 LNG project currently under construction in Ras Laffan Industrial City.
Some 20 Shell scientists and engineers from Qatar and around the world are engaged in research at the Qatar Shell Research & Technology Centre at the science park. The facility has over 35 staff in total.
Shell is committed to a substantial expenditure of up to US$100 million over a 10-year period on a world-class technology innovation and development programmes at the science park.
Notes to the Editors:
Qatargas was established in 1984 as one of the main vehicles to develop the extensive offshore North field. By 2010 it will be exporting approximately 42 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to markets in Europe, Asia and the North America.
Qatargas began as a project with three trains of two mtpa capacity each. Following the successful completion of a debottlenecking project in 2005 the capacity of the trains increased to 10 mtpa. In 2005 Qatargas celebrated the delivery of its 1000th cargo. Today, Qatargas has a fleet of 11 ships.
Currently, the Company is undergoing a period of rapid expansion. There are three projects underway, which will add an additional four processing trains. These expansion projects include the development of a new fleet of LNG ships, the installation of six offshore platforms, and the development of a receiving terminal in Milford Haven with associated pipeline infrastructure and extension of the existing Port facilities.
In addition, Qatargas is constructing a condensate refinery, Laffan Refinery to maximize synergies in the production of LNG and other related products.
Enquiries:
Qatargas: Abdulla Hijji +974 484 3811
Qatar Shell: Simon Buerk +974 495 7740 | 
