DUBAI, June 16 (Reuters) – QatarEnergy is set to quickly restart liquefied natural gas (LNG) production at its Ras Laffan LNG plant. A source familiar with the situation mentioned that it could take less than a month to...
DUBAI, June 16 (Reuters) – QatarEnergy is set to quickly restart liquefied natural gas (LNG) production at its Ras Laffan LNG plant. A source familiar with the situation mentioned that it could take less than a month to reach full production from facilities not impacted by Iranian strikes.
Recent attacks have damaged two of Qatar's 14 LNG trains and one of its two gas-to-liquids (GTL) facilities, resulting in a loss of 17% of the country's LNG export capacity. Repairs on these facilities could take several years, according to the CEO of QatarEnergy, who spoke to Reuters in March.
However, production from other facilities that have been inactive due to the ongoing conflict affecting the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil and LNG export route, can be quickly brought back online, the source stated.
“The main concern is how quickly we can bring ships in and load them once the strait reopens,” the source, who wished to remain anonymous, explained. “This is more about shipping and logistics than production capabilities.”
Although a framework agreement has been established between the U.S. and Iran aimed at ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, only around a dozen LNG tankers have successfully navigated through the strait since the conflict began in late February.
Shipping companies are currently waiting for safety assurances, including the removal of mines, which could cause additional delays in restoring normal shipping traffic for several weeks.