QNA/Ras Laffan

Six LNG berths simultaneously loading cargo vessels
A new milestone was set at Ras Laffan Port when all six Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) berths simultaneously loaded cargo vessels heading to various international destinations.
This milestone follows the production capacity of 77mn tonnes per annum (mta) at the end of 2010 which confirmed Qatar’s position as the world’s largest producer of LNG, said a media statement issued yesterday from Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLIC) which is managed and administered by Qatar Petroleum.
Ras Laffan Port Manager Captain Feisal Saad said: “With six operational LNG berths, the port is the world’s premier LNG exporting facility; double the size of its nearest rival. The scene of six LNG vessels simultaneously loading at all the LNG berths is something that we will get used to see more often. This scene is only possible in Ras Laffan.”
All four berths from LNG3 to LNG6 are capable of handling the largest new generation of LNG carriers aptly designated as Q-Flex and Q-Max that were specially designed and built to transport Qatari LNG to the world’s market.
Last year, the LNG1 berth was upgraded to receive up to Q-Flex size tanker vessels. LNG2 will similarly be upgraded in the future to receive the Q-Flex vessels. Further LNG berths expansions are possible in the expanded Port area in the future if required to a total of 10 LNG berths.
Ras Laffan Port which is the point of export of this clean energy product began its operations in September 1996.
The present port covers an area of 56 sq km and serves a fast-expanding hinterland of the RLIC. It is the gateway for Qatar’s principal export earner of LNG produced from the North Field.
In addition it handles a growing volume of a variety of cargoes, both liquid and dry bulk. The port is an ultra modern and purpose built being one of the top exporting ports in the Middle East and Asia regions.