Qatar makes 'significant' and 'remarkable' progress in North Field Expansion project

Qatar has made "significant" and "remarkable" progress in the North Field Expansion (NFE) project, which seeks to enhance the country's liquefied natural gas (LNG) production capacity from 77mn tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 126Mtpa by 2027.In this regard, a high-level delegation, led by HE Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the president and chief executive officer of QatarEnergy and chairman of Qatargas, took stock of the progress of the NFE project, which includes six new LNG trains with a capacity of 8 mtpa each, and associated utility and offsite facilities."I am delighted to see the remarkable progress made in implementing this strategic mega-project despite challenges posed by a global pandemic and geopolitical tensions,” said al-Kaabi, accompanied by senior QatarEnergy and Qatargas executives, after touring several sites at Ras Laffan Industrial City related to the NFE to witness the project’s progress.During the tour, al-Kaabi and the accompanying delegation were briefed on the "significant" progress made on the project and had a closer look at the challenges in undertaking a world-class project of this magnitude, and also met with the stakeholders, EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contractors, and project teams and thanked them for their efforts in executing the project."We are all proud that Qatari nationals are actively contributing to the implementation of the NFE Project. These are the fruits of our continuing efforts to develop Qatari talent, which is essential to maintain Qatar’s position as the top player in the development and delivery of LNG to the world. By investing in the development of Qataris, the country can ensure that the best and brightest minds are helping to drive its success,” the minister said.The construction contracts for four of the eight LNG trains have already been awarded to EPC contractors and contracts for the two remaining trains will be awarded soon. All major EPC contracts have been awarded for NFE onshore and offshore facilities, and construction is well under way on all fronts.The expansion would add more than 48 mtpa to the world’s LNG supplies. First production from the first North Field East train is scheduled for end-2025.This unique project is characterized by the highest health, safety, and environmental standards, including carbon capture and sequestration, to reduce the project’s overall carbon footprint to the lowest levels possible.The NFE project comprises the North Field East (NFE) and the North Field South (NFS) expansion projects and is the industry’s largest ever LNG project.The NFE project is a "strategic" step in cementing Qatar's position as the leading LNG producer and it will play a major role in meeting the increasing global demand for LNG. It is also in line with Qatar's long-term vision to develop the country's natural resources.