Ras Laffan Port achieves unique feat of loading 5 LNG vessels
Saturday, 07 Nov 2009
The Peninsula reported that for the first time 5 liquefied natural gas vessels loaded simultaneously at the Ras Laffan Port.
Port officials said that “With 5 operational LNG berths, the Port is already the World’s premier LNG exporting facility. The scene of 5 LNG vessels loading occupying the 5 LNG berths simultaneously is something that we will get used to see more often. This scene is only possible in Ras Laffan having the world’s highest number of LNG berths. With the commissioning of the new Qatargas and RasGas trains, it would not be long before Ras Laffan Port accommodates 6 LNG vessels simultaneously in 2010. This will place Ras Laffan far ahead of any LNG facility in the world for years to come.”
Qatar has already established itself as the No 1 exporter of LNG in 2007 with exports reaching 31 million tonnes that year and currently LNG exports has reached 54 million tonnes per year. It also well on its way to achieve its target to reach 77 million tonnes per year of LNG exports by 2010 as new trains are brought into production.
Ras Laffan Port is the point of export of this clean energy product, which 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 only gateway for Qatar’s principal export earner Liquefied Natural Gas produced from the North Field. In addition it handles a growing volume of a variety of cargoes, both liquid and dry bulk.
Additionally, new berth LNG6 is under construction and will be operational by 2010. All the berths from LNG3 to LNG6 are capable of handling the largest new generation of LNG carriers aptly designated as Q-Flex and Q-Max.
These latest vessels were specially designed and built to transport Qatari LNG to the world’s market. Besides the LNG facilities, Ras Laffan Port also has a number of other berths to export liquids such as condensate, LPG and GTL products. The dry cargo berths handle sulphur, bulk materials and project cargoes.
The latest addition to the current Port facilities is a large ship repair and dry dock facility which is expected to be operational by mid 2010. The facility will be equipped with the latest and most modern ship servicing equipment and other supporting facilities similar to those available at other world class dry dock.
