Qatargas delivers first LNG cargo to Canada

Saint John, Canada, December 1, 2009:  Qatargas today delivered its first ever cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Canada.  The cargo was delivered to the Canaport LNG Terminal by the Q-Flex LNG carrier “Mesaimeer”.

Faisal Al-Suwaidi, Chief Operating Officer of Qatargas said; “This is a significant milestone for Qatargas.  We are very pleased that LNG from Qatar will contribute towards guaranteeing the supply of natural gas to homes and industry in north eastern United States.  This achievement underpins Qatargas’ capability to supply LNG to customers around the globe safely and reliably.”

Alaa Abujbara, Qatargas Marketing Director said; “Mesaimeer began her voyage from Ras Laffan Port on November 8^th with a cargo of LNG the equivalent of around 5 billion cubic feet of natural gas.  After covering 15,000 kilometers in 22 days, she safely discharged her cargo at Canaport LNG terminal, marking the first delivery of LNG from Qatar to the East coast of North America.”

The LNG delivered to Canaport was produced by one of Qatargas’ latest 7.8 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) LNG mega trains.  The first, Train 4, started production in May 2009, followed in September by Train 5.  These are the largest LNG trains in the world and together with Qatargas’ first three Trains have increased the Company’s production capacity to nearly 26 mtpa.  Two more 7.8 mtpa trains are currently under construction and are expected to begin production in 2010.

The Q-Flex and the even larger Q-Max ships are a new generation of LNG carriers. The Q-Max and Q-Flex respectively have 80% and 50% more capacity than conventional LNG carriers whilst consuming about 40% less energy due to the economies of scale created by the size and efficiency of their engines.

Q-Max and Q-Flex LNG carriers are purpose built for owner Nakilat and allow for more efficient transport of Qatar’s natural gas to markets throughout the world.