Mr. AbdulAziz Al Malki: “Our combined aim is to put together a unique platform – and a breathtaking event - which will demonstrate to the world our pride and the recognition of all who have supported Qatar in turning His Highness’s vision into reality.”

His Excellency Al-Attiyah Launches the 77MTA Task Force

On the road to realising the vision of Qatar delivering 77 million tonnes of LNG to the world

Doha, Qatar, 30 Aug 2010 - As the State of Qatar moves closer to realizing the Vision of His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, for Qatar to reach a liquefied natural gas production capacity of 77 million tonnes per annum,  by far the largest LNG capacity in the world, His Excellency Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy & Chairman of Qatar Petroleum, Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, has announced the formation of a multi-company, multi- discipline 77Mta Task Force charged with marking  the achievement of this historic milestone.

His Excellency Al-Attiyah, in delivering the directive said: “With the imminent completion of Qatargas's Train 6 and 7 and the earlier completion of RasGas's Train 7, we, Qatar, will have an installed capacity of some 77 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas - thus fulfilling His Highness’s vision.  This is a milestone of historic significance for the state of Qatar. Our country will certainly take centre position on the world energy stage as the world’s largest LNG producer. I am very proud of this achievement and look forward to the celebration.”

His Excellency added: “Thanks to the far-sighted vision of and the firm commitment from His Highness the Emir, and the continuous support of H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Heir Apparent, the country is now at the forefront of the world’s LNG industry. This unparalleled achievement would not have been possible, also, without the strenuous efforts of countless number of people involved in every stage of our ambitious LNG projects. The application of state-of-the-art technology and the introduction of innovative approaches also helped speed up this process.”

In addition to His Excellency’s formation of the 77Mta Task Force, His Excellency appointed Abdulaziz Al Malki, Director, Office of Deputy Premier, as Chair of the 77 Higher Committee to oversee the plans.

The 77 Higher Committee has representation from the Qatar Petroleum (QP) Group of Companies, namely Qatargas, RasGas and Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLIC) led by QP.  It will be the first time this dynamic group of companies and disciplines will have come together to present such a significant achievement for the State of Qatar.

Work is already underway to ensure that every aspect and milestone, from the conception of His Highness’ vision to the present day, is captured in a unique and inspiring way. 

Close communication and collaboration has begun with other interested stakeholders, including the offices of the Emiri Diwan and company shareholder representatives, ensuring this significant milestone is captured in a way that has never been seen before. 

The central event of the 77 Mta of LNG will take the form of a celebration showing all aspects of the projects, the people and infrastructure which have made this achievement possible. 

Mr. AbdulAziz Al Malki added that: “Our combined aim is to put together a unique platform – and a breathtaking event - which will demonstrate to the world our pride and the recognition of all who have supported Qatar in turning His Highness’s vision into reality”

It is anticipated that the 77Mta event will be held on Monday 13 Dec 2010 at Ras Laffan to be shared with a global audience along with the world’s media.

At national level, Qatar is committed to achieving the goals of the Qatari National Vision 2030. This Vision identifies the key economic outcomes resulting from the responsible exploration of the nation’s oil and gas resources.

The 77Mta LNG achievement has certainly been instrumental in forging the Qatari skyline, the infrastructure, Qatar’s global positioning and providing lasting foundations for the education and the health of the nation as well as addressing issues of environmental well-being.

The 77Mta celebration will, in addition, recognize the need to establish a balance between reserves and production.

Today, as His Excellency Al-Attiyah announces the formation of the 77 Task Force, the first step in the journey of 77Mta has been taken.

Over the next 103 days the community in Qatar and exporting markets will be encouraged to engage, acknowledge and play their part in celebrating the nation’s LNG achievements.