GE to minimize gas flaring at World’s Largest LNG Complex in Qatar

Press release

Published February 16th, 2011 - 11:27 GMT

Al Bawaba

In the first large-scale application of its type, GE Oil & Gas advanced compressor technology is minimizing liquefied natural gas (LNG) boil-off gas flaring at LNG berths at the Ras Laffan Port, Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar, by making productive use of the gas that boils off during loading of the LNG carriers.

Gas that was previously boiled-off and flared during the loading of LNG carriers in Ras Laffan Port will now be collected from the LNG carriers and transferred to a Central Compression Area via large diameter stainless steel pipelines. At the Central Compression Area, GE compression units will compress the gas and send it to the LNG trains primarily for use as fuel gas.

Qatargas and RasGas are dedicated to continuously improving environmental performance. Given the scale and complexity of the LNG venture, this is a milestone boil-off gas recovery project that will enable minimization of gas flaring to the fullest extent possible, helping conserve Qatar’s natural resources. GE’s reliable technology will be critical to project success.

Joe Mastrangelo, Vice President – Turbomachinery, GE Oil & Gas, said: “We’re extremely pleased that GE technology has been selected to play a major role in this significant, environmentally focused project for Qatargas and RasGas. The project strengthens the relationship we have developed with Qatar over the years, supplying key LNG equipment and services that are supporting Qatar’s position as the world’s largest LNG producer.”

GE will supply six electric motor-driven compressors, mounted on a single lift base-plate to facilitate installation at site to Fluor Transworld Service Inc., the Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management contractor for the Qatargas Jetty Boil-Off Gas Recovery Project.

The equipment will be manufactured and tested at GE’s sites in Florence and Massa, Italy.

GE Oil & Gas is a world leader in advanced technology equipment and services for all segments of the oil and gas industry, from drilling and production, LNG, pipelines and storage to industrial power generation, refining and petrochemicals. GE Oil & Gas also provides pipeline integrity solutions, including inspection and data management, and design and manufacture wire-line and drilling measurement solutions for the oilfield services segment. As part of its 'Innovation Now' customer focus and commitment, GE Oil & Gas exploits technological innovation from other GE businesses, such as aviation and healthcare, to continuously improve oil and gas industry performance and productivity. GE Oil & Gas employs more than 12,000 people worldwide and operates in over 100 countries. For more information, please visit: www.ge.com/oilandgas.

Background Information

General Electric

GE provides knowledge, capacity building and training to empower the region’s workforce. Thirty percent of the Middle East and North Africa’s population is between the ages of 15 and 29. In the UAE, we’re partnering with the Mubadala Development Company to build local capacity by empowering local talent through trainings at our Leadership Acceleration for Business (LAB) initiative.

With 76 nationalities working in the region, GE proudly fosters diversity in the workforce. To accelerate the advancement of women, the Women’s Network, an affinity network at GE, creates opportunities for female employees to cultivate their leadership and business skills. GE is not just watching as the region realizes its future; we’re partnering to help build it.

Company Profile

Qatargas

Over the past three decades, Qatar has made immense socio-economic progresses while retaining its unique cultural identity. In keeping pace with these accomplishments, new technologies and a commitment to excellence have enabled Qatargas to grow and diversify its product lines while supporting the nation's sustainability goals.