Qatar rounded off partner selection for its $28.75bn 32mn t/y North Field East (NFE) LNG expansion project on 5 July by bringing Shell into the fold. Qatar’s LNG expansion has been hotly anticipated ever since it was first unveiled in 2017 (MEES, 7 April 2017), but amid a global energy crunch its powerhouse LNG facilities are now in the spotlight more than ever.
In awarding Shell a stake equivalent to 6.25%, QatarEnergy has underlined the critical importance it places on partners with strong marketing capabilities. Shell marketed 64.2mn tons of LNG in 2021, more than any other IOC and well ahead of No.2 TotalEnergies on 42mn tons (MEES, 17 June). QatarEnergy CEO Saad Sherida al-Kaabi hailed the firm’s lengthy partnership with Shell, adding that “as one of the largest players in the LNG business, they have a lot to bring to help meet global energy demand and security.” (CONTINUED - 843 WORDS)
