071 Ras Gas 12

RasGas Contents
Issue No 12 • July • October 2005
M A G A Z I N E
Editor-in-Chief
Abdulla H Al Abdulla 2 Home Page
Assistant Editor-in-Chief A round-up of events and news
Abdulla Hashim
Editor 4 A Window to Our World 2

Carol Pascoe
National Achievements
Editorial Assistant
Alisar Al Shikh
6 Conferences and Exhibitions
Contributing Editor Gastech 2005
Sinéad Mangan-McHale
Dawn Lye Asian Gas Markets Conference
Arabic Edition Finance and Investment in Qatar 10

Khalid Bader
Photography 12 Future Focus

Tony Terrot Ambitious Alliances
Qatar Studio
Marhaba Magazine
Qatar News Agency
14 In Focus 12
Personal Achievement – National Success
Designed and Produced By
14
18 Project Overview
A New Era - Oryx GTL
4th Floor - Pearl Tower
Al Sadd Street Country Report
22
P.O. Box: 13645, Doha - Qatar
Tel: + 974 4364 385 African Adventure
Fax: + 974 4364 387
fp7@qatar.net.qa
www.promoseven.com 24 Special Report
The city that never sleeps
For additional information and comments,
contact: RasGas Public Relations Department
24
Tel: +974-4857438, Fax: +974-4857386 or 28 European Expansion
visit the RasGas website: www.rasgas.com
Supplying Demand
All rights reserved for RasGas Company
Limited. No parts of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in retrieval system or 30 Marketing Report
30
transmitted in any form or by means of
electronic photocopying or otherwise Bienvenida a RasGas
without written permission of the Company,
the copyright owners.
All statements and expressions contained
32 Shipping Report
herein are the sole opinions of the editors Setting Sail
and do not necessarily represent the
opinions of RasGas Company Limited.
34 Inside Story
Front Cover : Wakra Fort
Photographer : Tony Terrot Finding Forts 32
HOMEPAGE
RasGas Employees Come to

the Aid of Tsunami Victims
In response to the catastrophic
devastation and loss of life caused by
December’s Asian Tsumami and through
the requests of RasGas employees to work
together to assist the victims of this
disaster, in early January RasGas Company
Limited launched an internal appeal for
financial donations.
Through a computerised system,
employees were offered the opportunity to
support the appeal by donating one day’s
salary or an amount they could
individually afford through a process of
direct deductions from their monthly
salary or by placing their donations in
collection boxes.
As a company, RasGas agreed to match
the amount raised by employees which RasGas Administration Manager Abdulla Al Abdulla hands over a cheque for QR 300,000 to Qatar
Red Crescent Society (QRCS) General Secretary Dr Mohamed Bin Ghanem Al Ali Al Ma’adid as
resulted in a cheque for QR300,000 being RasGas Public Relations Manager Abdulla Hashim and Adel Al Baker (QRGC) look on
presented earlier this month to Qatar Red
Crescent Society (QRCS). alleviate both the immediate needs and Qatar Red Crescent Society for their
Following the presentation of the long-term restructuring efforts of those continuing humanitarian efforts
cheque, RasGas Administration Manager effected countries. We hope that through throughout the world and in the Tsunami
Abdulla Al Abdulla stated, “Everyone at our appeal we have, in part, helped affected regions, as well as the people of
RasGas was deeply saddened by the improve the situation of some of the Qatar who responded so quickly to appeals
devastation caused by the Tsunami and we people most affected by the disaster. We for both food and financial assistance in
all felt we wanted to do something to also take this opportunity to thank the the days that followed the disaster.”
18.5 Million man-hours of safe work In another major achievement RasGas

main contractor CMS&A recently
achieved 18.5 million man hours without
a lost time incident.
To celebrate this outstanding
accomplishment the RasGas Expansion
Project Management Team hosted a
‘Safety Celebration Lunch’ in honour of
CMS&A, the Engineering, Procurement
and Construction contractor and their
subcontracting companies, CCIC, IHI,
Intech, Kettaneh, STFA, Ineco, Kaefer, Q-
Con, Velosi, Ammico, Mommoet,
Seashore, CB & I and QNNT.
2 RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005

HOMEPAGE
RasGas Sharing Experience News In Brief

QP to set up regional fire-
fighting training college
The Second Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister of Energy and
Industry H E Abdullah Bin Hamad
Al Attiyah has approved a plan to set
up a regional fire-fighting training
college in the country. QP plans to
begin construction of the college in
early 2006 and the facility is expected
to be fully operational by the first
Williamson (Second right) and other participants at the PMI-AGC presentation at the Sheraton recently
quarter of 2007.
At the invitation of the Project future demands of the industry. In a frank
A preliminary Environmental
Management Institute – Arabian Gulf and transparent manner, the presentation
Chapter (PMI-AGC), RasGas Operations provided industry specialists with an insight Impact Assessment was conducted and
Expansion Manager Gordon Williamson, into how RasGas has implemented lessons Ras Laffan Industrial City has been
recently presented a paper at the learned from several years of project chosen as the location for the facility.
Institute’s monthly meeting entitled operations to the benefit of the new and The proposed institute will be a joint
“LNG Operations – Team Work expanding portfolio of expansion project venture between QP, Texas A&M
Through Lessons Learned." currently being undertaken by RasGas.
University and Qatar Foundation.
Held at the Doha Sheraton Hotel, the Over 80 industry specialists attended the
presentation shared actual experiences presentation including senior RasGas
gained by the RasGas Operations officials as well as project and operations Energy City for Qatar
Department from the start of the first two managers from companies such as Qatar An initial agreement has been
LNG trains through to the commissioning Petroleum, Qatargas, Aramco, Oryx GTL signed between Al Addiyar Real
of the third train and looked ahead to the and Ras Laffan Industrial City. Estate Investment and the Gulf
Energy Company to establish an
RasGas Hot Shots! Energy City in Doha.
The move is intended to enhance
the importance of the region as an
administrative and technical centre for
the oil and gas industry, and to
enhance the use of natural resources.
According to the agreement, Gulf
Energy will conduct economic,
marketing technical and engineering
studies to implement the project. Al
Addiyar is a government-owned
company with a capital of $1bn, while
the Gulf Energy Company is an
The RasGas Amateur Skeet Shooting team, (Back Row from left to right), Hamad A. Al Karbi, Qazi M. international consortium of
Rahmatullah, Ibrahim Muneer (Front Row from left to right) Joseph W. Witt, Bertie T. Duploy
researchers, academics, energy experts
Congratulations to the RasGas Skeet the Qatar National Bank (QNB) Amateur and real estate consultants.
Shooting team who successfully beat off Skeet Shooting Championship event Work on Energy City is expected to
stiff competition from nine other teams to hosted at the Qatar Shooting Association
begin in the third quarter of 2005.
emerge the Gold Medal Trophy winners at sports ground in late May 2005.
RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005 3

A WINDOW TO OUR WORLD
National Achievements
The administration infrastructure of
the terminal company will reflect the
successful systems currently operating
in Ras Laffan.
With the rapid pace of expansion
and as new agreements are signed, the
safe and reliable transportation of LNG
to our customers remains an absolute
priority. In early July, following her
maiden voyage from Korea to Qatar,
RasGas (II) proudly welcomed its latest
LNG carrier ‘Lusail’ to Ras Laffan port
to load her first cargo of RasGas LNG.
With a capacity of 145,000 cubic
metres of LNG, the Lusail is the largest
LNG ship to be delivered for RasGas
trade to date.
Alex Dodds, RasGas Managing Director
To mark yet another achievement,
T
he RasGas business plan unprecedented levels. This in turn has when RasGas’ LNG carrier Maersk Ras
outlines the strategies, goals increased the profile and stimulated Laffan sailed triumphantly into the
and objectives used to propel major worldwide interest in the Spanish port of Cartagena Spanish
the company forward towards its vision benefits of natural gas and particularly ´
energy company, Endesa Generacion
of being a world-leading LNG environmentally friendly LNG. SA, welcomed the first delivery of LNG
company. But a good business plan In keeping with the State of Qatar’s from RasGas (II).
alone is not enough. Turning good ambitions, in May 2005 Qatar This milestone represents the first of
intentions into concrete results calls Petroleum, ExxonMobil and Edison many forthcoming deliveries under the
for experience, expertise and signed agreements for a specifically 20 year Sale and Purchase Agreement
determination, as well as excellent constructed LNG regasification facility (SPA) signed between RasGas and
working practices and sound – the Adriatic LNG Terminal – off the ´ SA in July 2003.
Endesa Generacion
relationships with partners, contractors coast of Italy. Included within this Oryx GTL is another success story to
and employees. groundbreaking agreement, RasGas be added to the record of achievements
Indeed, as the RasGas Magazine (II) has signed a 25 year Sale and realised by Qatar Petroleum in its drive
details in the upcoming reports, as Purchase Agreement (SPA) with to implement the comprehensive
our industry develops and matures, it Edison SPA for the provision of 4.6 development plan set by H.H. Sheikh
is our experience, expertise and million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the
determination that has given us the LNG to the Adriatic terminal, with Emir of the State of Qatar for the
strength to move ahead with several cargoes commencing in 2007. optimal utilisation of Qatar’s natural
ground breaking initiatives. RasGas will also be extending its resources.
In recent months world commodity global reach by providing vital In implementing this innovative
and energy prices have soared and administrative expertise and services to diversification plan, the foundation
crude oil prices have reached the Adriatic LNG Terminal Company. stone for the first gas-to-liquids project

A WINDOW TO OUR WORLD
As a leading employer RasGas has

In today's increasingly competitive LNG also embraced and welcomed the
industry, RasGas considers its highly skilled, challenges put forward in the Strategic
Qatarization plan. Today, with over 50
motivated and multicultural workforce one of its
per cent of RasGas employees Qatari
greatest assets. Recruited from more than 36 nationals the company has achieved the
countries around the world, RasGas staff bring a highest level of Qatarization within the
wide range of ideas and experience, which group of companies participating in
collectively form some of the best business the programme.

With a firm commitment to ‘Quality
practices in the industry.
Qatarization’ the engagement of Qatari
nationals has enriched our growing
in the Middle East, Oryx GTL was laid Hail, Deputy General Manager to discuss company with career-oriented employees
by His Highness the Heir Apparent this important project and RasGas’ who believe that the company represents
Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani participation. in many ways their personal aspirations
on the 7th of December 2003 at Ras In today’s increasingly competitive for the sustainable development and
Laffan Industrial City (RLIC). LNG industry, successful project enhancement of Qatar. Our detailed
This joint venture between Qatar development and execution requires a report discusses how in collaboration
Petroleum (51 per cent) and Sasol of highly skilled and motivated workforce. with local and international educational
South Africa (49 per cent) is the Within our organisation we have establishments these achievements have
world's first commercial GTL venture many unsung heroes, none more so been realised.
outside South Africa and the first step than the employees who live and work In addition to focusing on the
in Qatar’s quest to become the capital onboard the RasGas Alpha. Located development of our Qatari workforce, at
of the GTL industry. 100 kilometres from Doha, the RasGas we do not forget the valuable
Scheduled for construction completion RasGas Alpha is the heart of RasGas’ contribution made by the other half of our
in the first quarter of 2006, the RasGas offshore operations, we paid a visit
workforce; our direct hire and expatriate
Magazine met with Oryx GTL’s General offshore to meet these intrepid
employees. Career development guidance
Manager Chris Turner and Khalid Al employees.
and opportunities are a continuous aspect
of our equal opportunity employment
policy and we believe all employees will
benefit from this approach.
In the months to come, as we look
ahead to the inauguration of train 4,
the launch of the Ras Laffan Helium
Project and the Al Khaleej Gas project
the challenges for our company will
remain high. However, these new
projects herald a new phase in the
development of RasGas and while a
business plan outlines the details, it is
the commitment and support of our
partners, contractors and employees
Not only are RasGas committed to the national vision, the company has shifted its emphasis from simply
recruiting Qatari nationals to an organisation dedicated to ‘Quality Qatarization’ that will ensure success.

CONFERENCES AND EXHIBITIONS
Gastech 2005
Making Things Happen
G
astech is the prestigious Bilbao, in the Basque region in the from financing to commercial supply
international exhibition North of Spain was the welcoming and demand issues to the finer
and conference for the host of this energy event. It is one of technical details. The keynote speakers
LNG, LPG and natural gas the fastest growing gas consuming made it clear that the gas industry can
industries. Over 5,300 senior gas economies in the world. In the last look forward to a period of
industry decision-makers from 64 decade, the Basque region has made a accelerated growth and prosperity.
countries attended the 21st Gastech concerted effort to promote natural gas Whilst acknowledging that there were
2005 event in Bilbao, Spain. It as a competitive conventional energy significant challenges to overcome,
provided a venue for the worlds' source with demand rising to 287,000 they were united in their belief that the
leading experts in the gas industry to users. Corresponding improvements to 21st century will be the age of gas.
discuss key issues affecting the future the gas transmission and distribution As a leading player in Qatar’s energy
of LNG, LPG and natural gas, as well systems are set to increase capacity by sector and steadfast long-term providers
as providing an excellent opportunity 40 per cent. to this age of gas, RasGas proudly
for networking. It was an ideal event “Making Things Happen,” reports participated at this premier energy
for market leading companies to RasGas Magazine Editor Sinéad event. Dr Ibrahim B. Ibrahim, RasGas
showcase their products and services Mangan-McHale was the key theme Vice Chairman welcomed H.E. Juan
to a receptive audience of key running through this year’s conference José Ibarretxe, President of the Basque
decision makers in the energy sector. looking at all aspects of gas projects Government to the Qatar exhibition

stand. The stand hosted participants

from Qatar’s leaders in the LNG
industry; RasGas, Qatargas, Qatar
Petroleum and Ras Laffan Industrial
City. Dr Ibrahim presented Senor
Ibarretxe with a replica of a Qatari
traditional wind tower and H.E. Senora
Ana Aguirre, Minister for Industry,
Trade and Tourist Affairs in the Basque
Government with a replica of a
traditional Qatari clock tower. Both
gifts reflected the unique Qatar
exhibition stand, which represented a Dr Ibrahim B Ibrahim, RasGas Vice Chairman (centre) presented H.E. Juan Jose Ibarretxe with a
traditional Qatari house with two clock replica of the traditional wind tower during his visit to the RasGas stand
towers and wind towers.
Several vital developments have Over 5,300 senior gas industry decision-makers from
happened in the gas and energy industry 64 countries attended Gastech 2005.
since the last Gastech, held in Doha,
Qatar in 2002.� World commodity and
and the United States of America and Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United
energy prices have soared and crude oil Europe where domestic sources of gas Arab Emirates is the venue for the 22nd
prices have reached unprecedented are depleted. As a leading LNG supplier, Gastech, which will be hosted by the
levels.� This in turn has stimulated RasGas is meeting the increasing needs ADNOC Group of Companies in early
major demand for gas and LNG fuelled of these growing international markets December 2006. Many exhibitors have
by four key markets, China and India and consolidated its relationship with already confirmed their places for this event
with new and rapidly growing markets, many of its customers at Gastech. and RasGas will have a strong presence.
“Making Things Happen” – the key theme running through this year’s conference

Qatar’s Global LNG Strategy

Bridging the Gap from the Reservoir to the Consumer
M
aintaining RasGas’
commitment to strengthen
and promote the position of
Qatari LNG throughout the globe,
RasGas Managing Director, Alex Dodds
addressed an audience of worldwide oil
and gas executives at the LNG Supplies
for Asian Markets Conference, held in
Singapore in mid May.
The presentation - made on behalf of
H.E. Qatar’ Second Deputy Premier and
Minister of Energy and Industry,
Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah -
highlighted the key elements and
advantages that Qatari LNG could offer
worldwide energy consumers including:
Alex Dodds, RasGas MD addressing delegates at the Asian Gas Markets Conference
• Qatar's World Class Reserve Potential
•Regional / Logistical Advantages cent over the last 5 years (3 per cent per the technology and execute the projects
• Strong Governmental Support year) from just over 260 Bcfd to 300 Bcfd. required to capture the economies of
• Operational credibility and supply Projecting future growth to continue at scale and economically deliver LNG
• Financial Strength 2.2 per cent will create an excess in across a diverse range of markets.”
• A leader in technology demand equivalent to just under 20 Bcfd Within his presentation, Dodds also
• Flawless Execution of the existing SPAs of gas or roughly 125 million tonnes per discussed how both RasGas and
• A willingness to move downstream annum (Mtpa) of LNG by 2010. This Qatargas continued to leverage their
RasGas Managing Director Dodds increase would double global LNG technical and operational strengths with
began by reminding the audience that in demand by 2010 to 250 Mtpa and further the financial strength of the State of
2004 the global economy grew at a rate of increase it to over 430 Mtpa by 2020.” Qatar and their other shareholders to
5 per cent and although this figure is Continuing he stated: “To offer worldwide LNG buyers the flawless
expected to slow to 3.5 to 4.0 per cent in economically meet this growing demand execution of long-term contracts and the
2005 this still implied a significant growth for natural gas, the key challenge for the ability to diversify and consider new
in energy demand. “As such, “natural industry will be to develop the scale and opportunities quickly and effectively.
gas,” he stated, “is well positioned to infrastructure necessary to bridge the In conclusion, Alex Dodds recapped
capture nearly one third of all incremental increasing gap between the reservoir and Qatar’s position by emphasizing: “Qatar
energy growth between now and 2020.” the consumer. Qatar’s Global LNG has set new benchmarks in virtually
“This growth in demand,” he Strategy extends the boundaries of an every aspect of LNG project
continued, “will outpace the ability of LNG development project beyond the development from the use of new
many regions to source their supplies typical production and liquefaction scope technology, establishment of a new
domestically or import via pipeline thus to include the entire LNG value chain business model, innovative commercial
increasing the need to source gas over (from reservoir to re-gasification). arrangements, and development across
longer and longer distances which is where Integrating and executing such projects the entire LNG supply chain. We
LNG comes in to play. The trend in gas requires not only world class gas reserves, believe these innovative solutions mark a
supply and demand has grown by 15 per but the people and experience to develop ‘New Era in the LNG Industry’.

Qatar the place to be,

investors told the parliamentary group set up by the
House of Commons, which comprises
representatives from all active parties.
He also said that the development
of these relations was specifically
manifest in the area of investment in
oil and gas since the current changes
in the global energy market have
accentuated the competitive
importance of oil and gas, particularly
the latter, and hence the priority given
to investment in the sector aimed at
increasing the utilisation of the
already proven reserves and
prospecting for new ones.
Sheikh Hamad added it was this
trend which has consolidated the role
being played by the Qatari gas sector,
at present and for the future, in the
course of meeting the global
requirements of energy supply; thus
The First Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister H.E. Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al Thani encouraging the Qatari government to
addressing delegates at the Third Annual Conference on ‘Finance and Investment in Qatar’ in London attract foreign investment.
“By 2008,” said the First Deputy
I
n late May 2005, to an audience become instrumental in the exploration
Premier, “Qatar is expected to
of government officials and and promotion of opportunities of joint
provide, under projected as well as
worldwide energy officials the cooperation between the United
currently implemented plans, about
First Deputy Premier and Foreign Kingdom and Qatari investors.
20 per cent of the total gas needs of
Minister H.E. Sheikh Hamad Bin Sheikh Hamad also pointed out that
Jassem Bin Jabor Al Thani formally Qatari-British economic relations were the British market,” which coincides
inaugurated the Third Annual developing in more than one area and with other agreements concluded with
Conference on ‘Finance and has made use of the institutional Shell Company to the value of $7
Investment in Qatar’ in London. framework, which link the two billion to set Qatar on the track as a
In his inaugural address, H.E. the countries together such as the Qatar major exporter of liquefied gas to
First Deputy Premier said the forum has British Business Forum (QBBF) and Europe and North America.

During his address Al Attiyah

reviewed the development of the
Qatari economy since the start of the
industrialisation and said that up to
last year, investment in the country
had totalled over $31 billion in
various projects and had recently
committed about $26 billion in
natural gas projects in partnership
with a number of world class
companies and investors. New
investments in this decade are
expected to rise to over $40 billion in
natural gas, petrochemicals, fertilisers
H.E. Minister Al Attiyah delivering his keynote address on Qatar's investment opportunities and other energy sector projects.
Continuing he stated, “We believe
"Up to last year, investment in Qatar has totalled well that Qatar is the place to be. We have
over $31 bn in various projects and has recently created a healthy investment
committed about $26 bn in natural gas projects in environment and carefully selected
partnership with a number of world class companies our partners and used the best
and investors." technology to build safe and

Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Qatar's Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Industry environmentally friendly projects.”
Further reiterating Qatar’s global
In the area of foreign relations, he This development, Sheikh Hamad economic position, talking at the end
continued, “The development of Bin Jassem added, fits within the of the conference with local
Qatar’s foreign relations is an integral context of the years-long process of journalists Gerard Lyon, Standard
part of the overall ongoing political, legal and social reforms Chartered Bank Chief Economist and
development in the country which which the State of Qatar has been Group Head of Global Research said,
clearly reflected in the continuous diligently pursuing and expanding “Qatar had become an ideal country
improvements of the micro-economic under the leadership of the Emir H.
for foreign investment.” Lyons
indicators, particularly the growth rates H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al
continued that in spite of the
of the gross domestic product, surplus Thani, and H. H. Sheikh Tamim Bin
challenges emanating from the Middle
in the balance of payments and current Hamad Al Thani, the Heir Apparent.
East, Qatar was able to overcome
account, general indexes of foreign In his keynote address, Qatar’s
them and that with sound investment,
indebtedness and monetary and Second Deputy Premier and Minister
financial stability as well as the indexes of Energy and Industry H.E. Abdullah infrastructure and export policies
of stock markets of which the recent Bin Hamad Al Attiyah highlighted the Qatar’s economic growth had tripled
establishment of Qatar’s Financial investment opportunities Qatar has to during the last decade.
Centre constitute a salient feature." offer particularly in the energy sector. Source: QNA

FUTURE FOCUS
Ambitious
Alliances By Sinéad Mangan-McHale
Representation of terminal after installation in the Adriatic. Location is approximately 17 km from Porto Levante, Italy, and water depth is 29 m
T
he State of Qatar has ambitious represents Qatar’s strategic move into the to 6.4 billion cubic metres of natural gas).
plans to become a world leader LNG terminal and regasification business. According to Alex Dodds, RasGas
in the energy supply business. It It ensures Qatar Petroleum and Managing Director, “RasGas (II) will
has firmly established itself as a key player ExxonMobil's presence in the whole LNG produce and transport LNG from Ras
in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector value chain from gas processing through Laffan to Italy as soon as the Adriatic
since it began production in 1997. By 2005, liquefaction, shipping and LNG Terminal is ready. This LNG will make a
annual LNG production is expected to regasification. Qatar Petroleum and significant contribution to Edison’s supply
exceed 20 million tonnes and this will ExxonMobil each have a 45 per cent share needs and help it achieve its growth
increase to 77 million tonnes by 2012
in the LNG receiving terminal with the objectives.”
making Qatar the largest LNG exporter in
remaining 10 per cent held by Edison S.P.A. As part of the agreement, Qatar
the world. As a pacesetter in the LNG
RasGas (II) will play a significant role in Petroleum and ExxonMobil have made
industry, Qatar is continuously pushing
this venture. It has signed a 25 year Sale significant upstream investments. These
industry boundaries.
and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Edison include a wellhead platform and seven wells
In May 2005, Qatar Petroleum,
ExxonMobil and Edison signed SPA. RasGas are responsible for producing in the North Field, together with pipelines
groundbreaking agreements for a and transporting 4.6 million tonnes per to support a new 4.7 Mtpa LNG train in
specifically constructed LNG regasification annum (Mtpa) of LNG to the Adriatic Ras Laffan. These developments will
facility – the Adriatic LNG Terminal - off terminal, with cargoes commencing in 2008 consolidate RasGas’ reputation of providing
the coast of Italy. This significant alliance (once regassified, 4.6 Mtpa of LNG expands reliable and efficient LNG deliveries.

FUTURE FOCUS
RasGas will also be extending its global

reach by providing vital administration
expertise and services to the Adriatic LNG
Terminal Company. The administration
infrastructure of the terminal company will
reflect the successful systems operating in
Ras Laffan.
The Adriatic LNG terminal is a gravity
based structure (GBS) and will rest on the
ocean floor about 17 kilometres off the
coast of Italy in the North Adriatic Sea in
about 30 metres of water. This offshore
terminal location, a first in the LNG
industry, was a key environmental
decision. All the parties involved in the
partnership are genuinely committed to
protecting the environment and adopting
technology which will not affect the The Campamento construction site at Algeciras, Spain. This -20 m deep casting basin will be used for
beautiful landscapes or natural resources. construction of the concrete Gravity Based Structure. The LNG tanks and topside regasification
Indeed according to RasGas Vice facilities will integrate with the concrete structure prior to flooding the basin and towing the completed
structure to the Adriatic
Chairman, Dr Ibrahim B. Ibrahim, “The
Italian authorities who are very strict on
environmental issues, have given a grant to "The Adriatic LNG terminal is designed to provide
this project for its environmentally friendly Italy with a significant additional source of natural
design.”
The construction of the gravity based
gas which will strengthen the country’s regional and
concrete terminal and its LNG storage national economic competitiveness and diversify its
tanks will use state-of-the-art technology. sources of energy supply."
The gravity based structure; (GBS) is a H.E. Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Qatar’s Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Industry
large hollow concrete block. It will be built
at a dry graving basin in Spain. When the
concrete structure is about 60 per cent The terminal will be equipped with a Qatar’s Second Deputy Premier and
complete, two large LNG storage tanks, berthing and mooring system for LNG Minister of Energy and Industry H.E.
designed using ExxonMobil’s proprietary ship unloading. It will accommodate Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah described
modular tank, will be slid into position LNG carriers delivering up to 152,000 the agreement as a major achievement.
inside the GBS giving a storage capacity of cubic metres of LNG. “The terminal is designed to provide Italy
250,000 cubic metres. Once in place the According to Dr Ibrahim, RasGas with a significant additional source of
remaining concrete structure and topsides Vice Chairman, “Eighty per cent of the natural gas which will strengthen the
facilities for regasification will be finished terminal capacity will be allocated for 25 country’s regional and national economic
in the dry basin. When the terminal is years to process LNG imported under competitiveness and diversify its sources of
completed the basin will then be flooded the RasGas (II) Edison SPA, with the energy supply. It will create employment
in order to float the terminal. The remaining 20 per cent capacity available opportunities for the region and provide a
terminal will be towed to Italy to be set in to other users on an open-access basis.” secure energy supply for continued
its permanent location in the northern Qatar Petroleum, ExxonMobil, Edison economic growth.”
Adriatic Sea, just south of Venice. and RasGas are working closely with the This is an exciting world-class project and
Once the GBS has been positioned a Italian Government to define the open one in which RasGas is proud to be a key
pipeline will be installed to tie it into the access capacity regulations at the player. Qatar Petroleum, ExxonMobil and
Italian gas distribution grid. GBS have regasification facility. Through these Edison are delighted with the partnership
successfully been used in the oil industry joint efforts, the terminal will operate in and excited at the opportunities this tailor-
but this is its first offshore application in a transparent and competitive made Adriatic terminal offers them, the
the LNG sector. environment. region and the end users.

IN FOCUS
Personal Achievement
I
n the framework of emphasizing As a leading employer RasGas has also becoming an organisation dedicated to
'Quality Qatarization', RasGas has embraced and welcomed the challenges put ‘Quality Qatarization’. Focusing on this
adopted a number of educational and forward in the Strategic Qatarization Plan. primary objective has ensured that RasGas’
vocational initiatives through partnerships Today, with over 50 per cent of the national employees are given the necessary
with local and international institutions. company's workforce Qatari nationals the development training and mentoring to
In today’s increasingly competitive LNG company has achieved the highest level of hone their skills and ensure a world-class
industry, RasGas considers its highly Qatarization within the group of standard of professionalism.
skilled, motivated and multicultural companies participating in the programme.
workforce one of its greatest assets. Success through quality
Recruited from more than 36 countries Quality Qatarization For the third year in succession, RasGas
around the world, RasGas staff bring a wide However, RasGas is not only committed has firmly proven to be the Qatarization
range of expertise and a wealth of ideas and to the national vision represented by the pacesetter within Qatar’s energy sector.
experience, which collectively form some of plan. It has shifted its emphasis from Adding 64 new Qatari nationals to the
the best business practices in the industry. simply recruiting Qatari nationals to company’s workforce is a story of success in

IN FOCUS
- National Success
itself, but the real success has been achieved On the educational front, RasGas has skilled process operators or maintenance
in the high standards and quality that developed partnerships with five key local technicians.
RasGas has adopted in this process. and international educational and The Technical Preparation Programme
vocational institutions to ensure that (TPP), which graduates maintenance
Emphasis on competency students acquire the necessary technicians, was developed in
The commitment to implement educational background to excel in their partnership with the College of the
competency based development programmes careers. North Atlantic (CNA) in Canada. The
is a top priority for the management and theoretical foundation is given at the
staff at RasGas. QP Vocational Training Centre RasGas Vocational Training Centre.
Just like any successful career development Qatar Petroleum’s Vocational Training Trainees then move on to specialised
programme within RasGas, quality Centre (QP-VTC), located in the Ras training in electrical, instrumentation or
Qatarization has many conventional and Laffan Industrial City, has two main mechanical streams. The specialised
unconventional facets, including education, programmes to train high-school training is given at CNA’s facilities in
experience and personal development. graduates to become competent, highly Canada.

IN FOCUS
QP-VTC also offers the Qatari Trainee The university has been instrumental world-class engineers – this, together
Operator Progression System (Q-TOPS). in developing qualified employees for with its globally recognised faculty,
Graduates from this programme, jointly the energy sector in general and for means that the university will play an
designed by RasGas and Qatar RasGas in particular. important role in meeting the expected
Petroleum, are prepared to become boom in overall demand for engineers
process operators. Trainees start with College of the North Atlantic – in Qatar’s oil and gas sector.
technical level 2, then progress through Qatar Established in 2003 as part of Qatar’s
technical level 1 to permanent positions Since its establishment in 2002, the Education City, TAMUQ offers
as full field operators. College of the North Atlantic – Qatar bachelor’s degrees in chemical,
Both programmes are comprehensive (CNA-Q) has offered a range of electrical, mechanical and petroleum
and competency-based. They are development programmes to RasGas, engineering. With plans to introduce
conducted on the plant by dedicated combining the Canadian curriculum postgraduate programmes in 2006, this
shift trainers and take two years to with the industry expertise needed to premier international university will
complete. They include both classroom provide students with the right skills for have consolidated its position as a
courses, and practical, on-the-job training jobs, particularly in the energy industry. regional leader in engineering
within the plant and environment. Custom-made programmes within the education.
Corporate Training Department on the By providing Qatar-based, high-quality
Qatar University – CNA-Q campus have been particularly education to young Qataris, TAMUQ
Our national partner useful in meeting RasGas’ staffing needs has enriched energy firms in the
Qatar University was established to within its Qatarization efforts. country with the human resources
focus on ensuring high-quality RasGas has benefited from numerous needed to face future challenges and
education throughout Qatar. It aims to business and technology programmes enabled its students to become
adopt curricula, technology, and available through CNA-Q including: competent, dynamic and qualified
teaching methods that complement and Business Studies; Engineering technology contributors to the development of
enhance the country’s every changing and information technology courses. their country.
working environment.
The administration of the university Texas A & M – Qatar Qatar Aeronautical College
constantly reviews and improves the Texas A & M University – Qatar Qatar Aeronautical College (QAC)
structure of its colleges and programmes (TAMUQ) is the latest addition to has actively contributed to Qatarization
and has developed a strategy of co- RasGas’ partners in developing its in RasGas through providing trainees
operation with domestic, regional, and future workforce. with intensive English language courses,
international educational bodies, to Texas A & M University has a history enabling Qatari trainees to follow the
exchange knowledge and experiences. of more than 125 years of graduating latest business and technical

IN FOCUS
developments, and to overcome

language barriers within the company’s As a leading employer RasGas has embraced and
multilingual environment. welcomed the challenges put forward in the Strategic
RasGas values QAC’s role highly,
Qatarization plan. Today, with over 50 per cent of
because it considers that proper and
adequate internal communication is a RasGas employees Qatari nationals the company
fundamental ingredient of corporate has achieved the highest level of Qatarization within
success.
the group of companies participating in the
The association between RasGas and
various local, regional and international programme
public post-secondary technical
institutions will ultimately prepare
National success Further commenting, Alex Dodds,
individuals to be self-sufficient
In discussing the accomplishments of RasGas Managing Director stated, “The
contributors to the sustainable economic
RasGas’ Qatarization initiatives, H.E. engagement and training of more
development of local communities, the
Yousef Hussain Kamal, Minister of Qatari nationals at RasGas has
State of Qatar and the region.
Finance and RasGas Chairman of the enriched our growing company. Today
Board concluded, “The LNG we see career-oriented, long-term
In-house experience
production capacity of the State of
In addition to its external academic commitment from employees who
Qatar is expected to grow from a
and vocational training, RasGas has believe that this company represents in
projected 30 million tonnes in 2007 to
developed a family of complementary many ways their aspirations for
internal development programmes that 77 million tonnes in 2012. Revenues
sustainable development in Qatari
are instrumental in developing the from the industry are expected to
society. This has encouraged and
competencies of Qatari graduates and contribute nearly 50 per cent of the
consolidated the company’s
members of staff. government’s budget funding by 2010.
commitment to Qatarization as an
Work experience has also been With nearly half of Qatar’s LNG
integral part of our corporate policy,
optimised within RasGas through a set production entrusted to RasGas,
meeting our Qatarization objectives strategy and priorities. It has also
of career development programmes that
continues to be an absolute priority, consolidated the personal achievements
prepare Qatari staff for their future
not only to face the challenges of of our employees with the national
careers. Personal and social
increasing production, but also to success of our organisation. This is an
development is considered another key
aspect of the development of its contribute to fulfilling the aspirations accomplishment we can all be proud to
employees of our nation.” be a part of.”
Qatarization
RasGas is one of the first companies in Qatar to achieve the 50 per cent
Qatarization target set by the Qatar Petroleum (QP) Strategic Qatarization
plan as envisioned by H.H. the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani,
and as specified in the directive from H.E. Abdulla Bin Hamad Al Attiyah,
Qatar’s Second Deputy Premier and Minister for Energy and Industry.
RasGas has achieved 53.1 per cent Qatarization as of 31 December
2004, exceeding its target of 51.4 per cent set last year and a year ahead of
the target set by QP’s Strategic Qatarization Committee. Today, 27.9 per
cent of the Company’s Qatari nationals are in permanent positions.

PROJECT OVERVIEW
A new Era
Oryx GTL is the first gas-to-liquids project in the Middle East
T
he discovery of the North Field sharing agreements with new terms However, such vast gas reserves have also
natural gas reserves in the early designed to encourage foreign oil encouraged Qatar Petroleum to implement
1970s heralded a new era in companies to invest in Qatar. forward thinking strategies, based upon the
Qatar’s social and economic history. In addition to continuing oil directives of His Highness the Emir of the
With proven oil reserves of 15.2 billion exploration, Qatar has embarked on several State of Qatar to implement a comprehensive
ambitious multi-million dollar energy
barrels, over the last three decades Qatar project diversification plan for the optimal
diversification programmes. The first, and
has become an established oil exporter. utilisation of Qatar’s natural resources.
most established was the development in
However, in order to meet the world In implementing this innovative plan,
the early 1990s of Qatar’s liquefied natural
demands the State of Qatar has also the foundation stone for the first gas-to-
gas (LNG) industry.
sought to boost oil production by locating Today, while still in its first decade of liquids project in the Middle East, Oryx
new reserves and investing in advanced oil operation, Qatar’s LNG industry, through GTL was laid by His Highness the Heir
recovery systems to extend the life of its RasGas and Qatargas, is thriving and on Apparent Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al
existing fields. This has also meant course to supply 77 million tonnes of LNG Thani on the 7th of December 2003 at Ras
improving exploration and production per annum to world markets by 2010. Laffan Industrial City (RLIC).

PROJECT OVERVIEW
This joint venture between Qatar

Petroleum (51 per cent) and Sasol of South
Africa (49 per cent) is the world's first
commercial GTL venture outside South
Africa and the first step in Qatar’s quest to
become the capital of the GTL industry.
Scheduled for construction completion
in the first quarter of 2006, the RasGas
Magazine met with Oryx GTL’s General
Manager Chris Turner and Khalid Al Hail,
Deputy General Manager to discuss this
important project.
The Project
GTL is a process by which natural gas
can be converted into liquid fuels or other
liquid hydrocarbons by means of catalytic
Oryx GTL’s General Manager Chris Turner (Right) and Khalid Al Hail, Deputy General Manager
reactions.
Sweet and lean natural gas is cleaned
stream gas to shore, and build facilities at Europe to test the efficiency and
further, reformed to synthesis gas (carbon-
Ras Laffan City to treat the gas and recover environmental impact of diesel fuels in city
monoxide and hydrogen) and then passed
liquids from it prior to shipping the dry, bus transport networks.
at specific pressure and temperature
sweet gas to Oryx GTL. Naptha produced from natural gas is very
conditions over catalysts that enable the
clean grade. Scheduled for sale in Asia and
molecules to combine, producing a sort of
Environmentally Friendly GTL the Far East the Oryx naptha will offer
synthetic crude oil, which is then ‘cracked’
Oryx intends to market most of the GTL greater efficiency and productivity to plastic
or refined to produce a range of fuels and
diesel to customers in Western Europe. producing industry. The 1,000 barrels per
other liquid hydrocarbons.
Due to governmental pressure to reduce day of LPG produced will be jointly
The first phase of the Oryx GTL project
harmful emissions Western Europe’s marketed through the AKG project.
will have a production capacity of 33,500
transport sector are increasingly turning to
barrels per day of GTL products. This will
the environmental benefits associated with On Schedule
encompass 24,000 barrels per day (bpd) of
low sulphur diesel fuels. The project is currently in the
diesel, 8,000 bpd of naptha and 1,000 bpd
GTL producers are also working directly construction phase of activity, we’ve started
of liquid petroleum gas (LPG)
with the automotive manufacturing sector commissioning our utilities systems and
to test new and even more efficient over the course of the next 10 to 12 months
RasGas and Oryx GTL premium diesel blends. These zero per we will continue commissioning various
The Oryx GTL project, the largest and cent sulphur GTL diesels will be systems and move into the start up phase of
most technically advanced gas-to-liquids specifically blended to target enhanced plant operations. We expect construction
plant in the world, will consume 330 performance and efficiency required by a completion in the first calendar quarter of
million cubic feet a day of natural gas, new generation of diesel driven 2006 and actual production achieved in the
which will be supplied to Oryx by Al automobiles. Studies are also underway in second calendar quarter of 2006.
Khaleej Gas (AKG).
In March 2003, RasGas Company Limited
was appointed to construct and operate the The trend towards cleaner fuel is now firmly
first phase of the Al Khaleej Gas Project
(AKG-1) for and on behalf of ExxonMobil
established worldwide, with the European Union (EU)
Middle East Gas Marketing Limited. expected to mandate zero-sulphur – less than 10
RasGas, on behalf of the AKG project, parts per million (ppm) – gasoline and diesel by 2009.
will install a new platform on block RLA,
Petroleum Economist, Fundamentals of Gas to Liquids.
lay a 38 inch pipeline to bring the full well

PROJECT OVERVIEW
Location, Location, Location

Covering an area of 73 hectares, the
Oryx GTL construction site, at its busiest,
will involve as many as 6,000 construction
workers, including project engineers and
project managers.
An extensive amount of material and
equipment will be used, including 50,000
m2 of concrete for the civil works, 4,000
tons of structural steel, 25,000 tons of
piping and 570 key pieces of mechanical
equipment.
In the region of 300 km of electrical
power cable, 200 km of electrical control
cable and 290 km of instrument cabling Oryx GTL heater stacks
will also be used within the plant facility.
The largest single piece of equipment will 2003 and began site work for the products. They provide both technical and
weigh 2,200 tons. Equipment is being construction of the plant. functional expertise, which ensures Oryx
sourced from many countries mostly in GTL is a best in class company.
Asia and Europe, including Italy, France, Challenges
Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, At the time the contract was awarded the Investing in Qatar
Korea, India, various Middle East states, world economy was just beginning to heat The Oryx GTL project represents a $1
the United States and South Africa. up so the project has faced a number of billion dollar investment. The EPC lump
challenges in the availability of sum contract is $675 million, at the time of
Contractor excellence commodities and resources. It is to the award the total capital costs $952 million
Qatar Petroleum and Sasol Synfuels credit of the skills and expertise of our EPC and if you consider the working capital for
International awarded the US$ 675 million contractor Technip-Coflexip that they have the gas itself the investment is just more
lump-sum turnkey engineering, procurement managed these challenges successfully and than $1 billion.
so far we are very close to our original Finance is of course a critical aspect of
and construction (EPC) contract to the
schedule. any project. The Oryx GTL project finance
multinational, French-based engineering
company, Technip-Coflexip from Italy. All is the first time that commercial financing
Partners in Success has been used to build a GTL facility. In
project agreements were concluded in
As a major petroleum company in the
January 2003. The EPC contract became total 20 leading international banks
Middle East, Qatar Petroleum brings
effective in March 2003 after all the financial scrutinised this project for viability and
extensive expertise and resources in such
agreements were finalised. approved this financing arrangements.
fields as finance, administration,
The EPC contract is being executed operations, gas production and supply,
from Technip-Coflexip’s Italian operations Overseas investment opportunity
and in sales and marketing.
based at Rome with support from Qatar There are many significant factors that
Furthermore, the relationship between
Petroleum and Sasol Technology design make Qatar an attractive opportunity for
Oryx and other QP joint venture partners
engineers and project managers. The overseas investors. Underpinning all the
such as RasGas is also very strong.
contractors moved on to site in September major projects is the vast natural gas
Unique in our industry, we regularly
discuss issues with these partner
organisations which allow us to benefit
from past experiences, best practices and
also benchmark our standards and
achievements in line with other Qatari
joint venture organisations.
Sasol brings to the partnership
unparalleled experience in the production,
The East West piperack piping project management and marketing of GTL The plant utilities area

PROJECT OVERVIEW
reserves within the North Field. Secondly, Worldwide GTL Production

Qatar has a proven track record and history Although many countries produce oil GTL Technology
of successfully working with overseas joint and gas, only a select number produce The origins of GTL technology dates
venture partner to execute many different clean fuels from coal and gas .South Africa, back to 1913 when a German company
projects. The facilities available at Ras the traditional home of GTL production, discovered the probability of mixtures
Laffan Industrial City are also exceptional produces in the region of 200,000 barrels of higher hydrocarbons and
and provide the highest standards of of CTL (Coal to liquids) and GTL per day oxygenated compounds being
infrastructure facilities for our industry. while Shell Malaysia’s Bintulu production
produced through the catalytic
Finally, and perhaps key to success of facility produces 14,000 barrels per day.
reaction of hydrogen (H2) and carbon
Qatar in attracting overseas investors is With a production capacity of 33,500
monoxide (CO).
the stable political system in Qatar and barrels per day the first phase of the Oryx
GTL project will place Qatar as the second The vision was realised when two
the forward thinking, progressive nature
largest GTL producer in the world. At the chemists in Germany, Franz Fischer
of the government. Today, with the
moment we are also in discussions with QP and Hans Tropsch, developed a unique
support of His Highness the Emir, Qatar
to develop the second phase of the Oryx process to produce synthetic fuels
is continuously assessing the future
project; Oryx 2 with partner SasolChevron. (synfuels) from coal in the 1920s. In
requirements of the country in terms of
This joint venture would see Qatar’s GTL 1923, Fischer and Tropsch published
both industrial and social requirements
product production capacity increase to the first findings of their results of
and taking action now to meet those
100,000 barrels per day. producing synthetic gas (syngas) from
future needs. Talks are also in the early stages with QP
coal using an alkali-iron catalyst.
to develop a series of consecutive integrated
Multi-Cultural Expertise These chemists continued with their
GTL projects which further increase GTL
At Oryx we recognise the individual product capacity to the region of 230,000 research and development throughout
skills and qualities of our employees. At barrels per day. the 1920s, experimenting with
the present time within our workforce we different catalysts, pressures,
have 15 different nationalities including What is the history of the GTL temperatures and reactor designs.
Qataris, South Africans, Indians, The basic chemistry for the GTL process The FT process was used extensively
Pakistanian, Malaysian, Canadian, has been around for over 80 years. It was in Germany between 1932 and 1945 to
Egyptian, Moroccan, Sri Lankan and first developed in the 1920s by two German produce synthetic petroleum and
American nationals. These highly skilled scientists Fischer and Tropsch and has been diesel. In this process, coal – in the
individuals bring� a wealth of experience into employed by Sasol in South Africa to covert
presence of steam (H2O) and oxygen
our company and contribute immeasurably coal to liquid fuels to supply the South
(O2) – is gasified to produce a mixture
to� the� successful development of� our African market for 50 year. The same basic
of CO and H2, syngas, the primary
organisation. technology is used for converting natural
gas to diesel, naptha and LPG. building block that is purified and
converted further to produce liquid
Future Focus
Stepping Forward synfuels and other hydrocarbons.
In line with the Qatarization directives
While GTL technology has been around The FT technology was
issued by H.E. Abdullah Bin Hamad Al
for decades, the capital intensive nature of commercialised in 1932 in the Ruhr
Attiyah, Qatar’s Second Deputy Premier
the industry has been a barrier to the Valley by Ruhrchemie, a German
and Minister of Energy and Industry, Oryx
economic viability of GTL plant facilities. chemicals company. Ruhrchemie
GTL actively supports Qatarization. At the
However, over 50 years of experience and worked in partnership with other
present time our workforce includes 10 per
the integration of the innovative Fischer-
cent Qatari nationals. In addition to these German technology companies, notably
Tropsch GTL conversion technology plant
existing employees 30 nationals are Lurgi Gesellschaft fur Warmetecknik
facilities today can optimise plant design
currently undergoing the Technical and maximize commercial efficiency. (Lurgi). These companies later sold the
Preparation Programme at the QP As Qatar steps forward with its latest rights to South Africa’s Sasol to use
Vocational Training Centre. joint venture the world not only welcomes unique German technology to gasify
Over the coming years an increasing a new supplier of environmentally coal and convert the resultant syngas
number of these highly motivated national conscious feedstock for the petrochemical into liquid products.
employees will be appointed to key industry but it heralds the start of one of Petroleum Economist,
management and operational positions Qatar’s largest diversification projects; Oryx Fundamentals of Gas to Liquids
within the company. GTL the energy sector’s rising star.

COUNTRY REPORT
African Adventure
The Kruger’s 1,500 lion are found throughout the park but tend to congregate in the south-central grasslands, feeding ground for the herds of herbivores on which they prey
S
outh Africa is a vast and It is roughly the size of Spain and France and climate is as diverse as it gets. While
enchanting country, full of colour combined with wide range of attractions, the country continues to heal racial
and excitement. South Africa lies history, culture and events to attract divisions, the determination of her people
at the southern tip of the African tourists the world over. to begin anew, makes it an inspiring and
continent and is bordered by Namibia, Often described as a ‘world in one beautiful place to explore. Since the days
Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. country’ South Africa’s geography, culture of apartheid, South Africa is emerging as
The City hall is approximately built of Table Mountain The Kruger National Park, stretching across the eastern part of the Mpumalanga and
sandstone; its clock is a half-size replica of London’s Big Ben the Northern Province, is home to hundreds of different kinds of mammals and birds

COUNTRY REPORT
a thriving nation. It now takes pride in South Africa. This famous game sanctuary Africa’s coastline offers superb
celebrating the heritage and traditions of stretches for 352 km (220 miles) along opportunities for water sports enthusiasts
the many African cultural groups who South Africa’s northeastern border. This in particular the surfer; Cape Town is also
form the colourful and diverse South conservation area supports an astounding a popular port of call for round the world
African nation. There are eleven official array of wildlife, flora and fauna. When yacht races.
languages, nine Bantu tongues, English visiting South Africa’s largest national park The Cape Province is considered by
and Afrikaans and is home to more than one can choose from the luxury of a Private many to be one of the most beautiful
43 million people. This new South Game Reserve where expert rangers are on places in the world. It lies on a small
African nation is a conglomerate of hand to guide the explorer through the peninsula at the southern tip of Africa.
beliefs, traditions and heritages living in a African plains and then return them safely Cape Town with its cosmopolitan
country of breathtaking beauty. to luxury accommodation. history and atmosphere is the premier
There are many reasons to visit South Other, more independent travelers may tourist destination and the fourth largest
Africa for a holiday of a lifetime. From the opt for a visit to Rest Camps for what is urban center. The infamous Table
crashing waves of the Western Cape to the known as a D.I.Y. (Do It Yourself) safari Mountain looms over Cape Town city.
warm Indian Ocean waves of the Kwa-Zulu option! Rest Camps are cheap state owned This rugged mountain chain stretches to
Natal coast, the exciting and thrilling safaris accommodations and they are well placed a height of 1,087 m above sea level and
in the enormous Kruger National Park, the throughout Kruger Park. dwarfs the high-rise buildings of the city.
mountainous terrain of the Drakensburg to Once you have experienced the wild life Several hiking trails lead to the top
the bushveld of Mpumalanga, the scenery is reserves, there is plenty more on offer to whilst for the less adventurous there is a
truly stunning. tempt and delight. For the energetic leisurely cable car ride to the restaurant
Conservation measures over the last traveler, South Africa offers an abundance at the top.
century have guaranteed South Africa some of sporting delights to both spectators and When considering how to get around
of the finest wildlife reserves in the world. participants alike. There are few who this vast country do not forgo the
The challenge of sighting ‘Africa’s Big Five’ have not heard of the might of the South opportunity to travel on the famous Blue
– lions, leopards, rhino, elephant and African rugby team and still fewer Train. The Blue Train is unique – not
buffalo – is one of the greatest thrills of a countries that have recently beaten this just as one of the world’s finest hotels but
Safari trip. And South Africa has plenty of magnificent team on the rugby pitch. For one that moves from destination to
safaris on offer. This term ‘Big Five’ the more sedate, South Africa boasts some destination. For over 50 years travelers
originated from hunting jargon for the of the finest golf courses in the world and have enjoyed luxurious train safaris, with
most dangerous and sought-after trophy has also produced some of the worlds unhurried journeys through some of the
animals. Nowadays the intrepid traveler is finest golfers. The golfing prowess of most scenic routes in South Africa.
content to simply observe Africa’s wildlife Gary Player is legendary while Ernie Els Visitors from Qatar can fly direct to
in their natural habitat. A trip to Kruger ranks among the top golfers in the world Johannesburg and Capetown with Qatar
National Park is a must on any visit to and recently won the Qatar Open. South Airways who have four flights per week.
South Africa’s famed Blue Train, the ultimate in luxury The Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast, which runs from a point north of East London to
travel, makes its way through eastern Mpumalanga KwaZulu-Natal, is famed for its sandy bays, its lagoons, estuaries, cliffs and rocky reefs

SPECIAL REPORT
The City
that never sleeps
I
magine working 12 hour shifts daily, office – which means you can get up half
living, eating and playing day in, day an hour before work, wash and get dressed
out with your co-workers for 28 days into your coveralls in 10 minutes, spend
at a stretch, about 100 kilometres out at sea the next 20 minutes leisurely tucking into
with no hope of stepping on land until a a buffet breakfast prepared by professional
helicopter comes to fetch you when your chefs, and still be at work on time!
‘tour of duty’ is completed. While this may seem a whole different
Sounds painful? The good news is, you world for those of us who work normal
get to stay in ‘four star’ hotel-like office hours and go home to our families
accommodation (as described by one every night, it is life as usual for most crew
worker) while out at sea, good pay, plus a members working on an offshore platform
free air ticket and the next 28 days off work – as Dawn Lye, Features Editor for
to see loved ones back home, wherever Marhaba, Qatar’s premier information
they may be. And don’t forget, you are guide found when she went on a tour
spared the daily commute to and from the recently around RasGas Alpha.

SPECIAL REPORT

SPECIAL REPORT
The skyscraper in the sea Hence, everyone who visits Alpha – or any
Alpha is RasGas’ first and only offshore of the other oil and gas platforms around
production complex, processing 1.2 billion Qatar – has to go on a helicopter. For the
cubic feet of gas per day and sending the dry commute, everyone is treated to the usual
gas via a 96 kilometre long, 32 inch diameter procedures. Check-in is much like that for
pipeline to RasGas onshore LNG plant for taking an airplane, except that you put on a
export all over the world. A mammoth steel safety vest, get a pair of earplugs and watch
edifice stretching 800 metres across, with a safety video before you board.
wells reaching approximately 12,000 feet Throughout the flight all baggage is
beneath the seabed and with structures rising stowed away and no loose items are allowed
260 feet above sea level – RasGas Alpha is a in the cabin, which means you can’t take
virtual skyscraper at sea. It comprises four along a book or newspaper to pass the
main structures connected by bridges: a journey time. Indeed, while the idea of
drilling/wellhead platform; a process utility being on a helicopter sounds exciting, with
platform where the gas is dehydrated; a riser the constant, monotonous whirring from
platform for receipt of gas from remote the rotor blades, the ride itself is Work goes on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
wellhead platforms and for dispatching surprisingly sleep-inducing, In fact, onboard the RasGas Alpha
processed gas to onshore; and a five storey throughout the 45 minutes ride, the
living quarters platform with helideck. majority of passengers fell into a dazed metres located all around the platform
The US$ 300 million complex took three stupor. Passengers in two designated seats where the gas first emerges from
years to build, with the construction taking have to put on headsets, which allow them underground.
place in the US and Dubai. It was then to communicate with the two pilots and We were also issued with red coveralls,
shipped to Qatar and installed according to convey their messages to the others. safety boots, safety glasses and a hard hat
world-class standards. before the platform chief, Offshore
Staff onboard are currently made up of The safety issue Installation Manager Atul D. Dhokte, gave
15 nationalities, including people from Upon touchdown at Alpha’s helideck, we us a guided tour.
India, Pakistan, the UK, South Africa, were each given a hydrogen sulphide Safety is a critical issue at offshore
Canada, Nepal, Philippines, Malaysia, Sri detector. About the size of a pager, it is platforms all over the world, and it was no
Lanka and also from Qatar. They come carried by everyone onboard the platform different onboard RasGas Alpha. Gas, fire
from all walks of life and include engineers, to detect any leaks of the highly poisonous and thermal detectors, fire-fighting systems
technicians, chefs, mechanics, electricians as and flammable gas. Alpha produces gas and escape sets (essentially air tanks fitted
well as a medic. from Qatar’s North Field that contains with masks) abound onboard. If excess gas
about 6 to 8 parts per million (ppm) is detected alarms go off, the platforms shut
Helicopter commute hydrogen sulphide, considered a very high down and the wells are closed. Gas is then
While it is possible to reach the platform proportion. In addition to the personal directed towards the flare stack where it is
by boat, the journey takes several hours. detectors, there are 288 hydrogen sulphide safely burnt off. However, after seven years
of operation, Alpha has seen only one
emergency shutdown, which occurred in
the first year of operations, when it was still
essentially being ‘run in.’
Alpha is also built so the living area can
be entirely shut off from the wellhead and
process platforms, providing a safe haven
for the crew. Alcohol is prohibited and
smoking is allowed only in certain areas.
There are three escape boats, each with a
capacity of 52 passengers. In addition, every
crew member is trained in first aid and
regularly undergoes safety related courses.
The harsh summer heat creates another
Avoiding the rush hour traffic – 100 km from Doha safety factor that the workers need to

SPECIAL REPORT
beware of. During the hottest months, Life onboard

when temperatures can hit 50 degrees Having a job offshore means living in
Celsius and more with heat generated on close quarters with colleagues and no
the platform, they are not allowed to work chance of running out to the convenience
beyond 45 minutes at one stretch to prevent store on a whim. A supply ship from Ras
heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Laffan comes by the Alpha Complex once a
All these safety measures have added up
week, bringing in some 8 to 10 tonnes of
to an impressive safety record; with over six
food, drinking water, equipment and diesel.
and a half years without a Lost Time
But an in-field support vessel on duty
Accident (LTA) since Alpha started
within the field area can make emergency
operations in October 1998.
deliveries of equipment or materials.
Among the 45 strong crew on board, only
Work environment
four – the manager and supervisors – work
Alpha, being a gas platform, doesn’t carry
a seven-day-on, seven-day-off rota, with most
the heavy odour of petroleum that is so
Onboard chefs serve an extensive international of their families based in Doha and Al
prevalent on most oil platforms. However,
buffet at every meal Khor. All platform employees work 12 hour
in some areas, the air vibrates with the
shifts, with two half-hour breaks and an
rumble of pumps and compressors, and to produce – all these are also implemented
hour-long lunch break in between. The
earplugs are recommended. at the control room at a touch of a button.
crew members – three at a time – take turns
Work goes on 24/7. Besides the However, the monitoring of gas migration
to work the midnight shift.
platform’s main task of processing gas for from one area to another is carried out by
Rooms are compact but comfortable, and
delivery to the onshore LNG plant it also RasGas’ onshore Reservoir Engineering
each is furnished with a TV, radio, sofa and
desalinates seawater to produce potable Department, which advises the staff on
an en-suite bathroom. The crew usually
water for the living facilities and generates Alpha about how much gas to produce
sleep two to a room, or they may get a single
its own electricity. Three gas turbines from each well.
With gas from Qatar’s North Field room. With 104 beds available, seldom do
generate electricity to power the Alpha
estimated by some accounts to last for 200 they need to sleep four to a room.
complex as well as three remote wellhead
years, RasGas employees have a bright A sick bay and medic are available to
platforms situated 5 to 18 kilometres away
future, which includes significant expansion those who are ill. For recreation, the
from the Alpha complex. Two of these
plans and challenging work opportunities. workers use the gymnasium, play snooker,
remote wellhead platforms send gas to
In fact RasGas expansion is already ongoing darts or table tennis, use the Internet room,
Alpha for processing and the third sends
and by 2009, offshore operations will read the newspapers, or watch TV and hang
approximately 800 million cubic feet per day
include ten wellhead platforms with 70 out in the lounge. Two to three chefs make
of untreated or ‘wet’ gas daily to the onshore
wells producing approximately 8.5 billion sure the workers are well fed, serving up an
facilities. Gas flow from all of the remote
cubic feet of gas per day. extensive international buffet at each meal.
wellhead platforms is controlled from the
Alpha central control room and the Alpha Even though they are away from home, the
staff provides all maintenance for these workers can request the foods they miss and
facilities. In 2005, two additional remote pass favourite recipes to the chefs.
wellhead platforms will be added to the Besides the various advantages that make
RasGas offshore facilities, with at least four up for the workers’ long absence from
more in various stages of construction to be home, an extra perk lies in store at Alpha
installed and producing by the end of 2009. for those who love marine life: all kinds of
Much of the work at the platform is aquatic animals, including dolphins, can be
automated. For example, to produce gas, seen from the platform, and in the warmer
someone at the main control room just hits season, schools of 60 to 70 whale sharks
a switch, and the remote-controlled valves (the world’s largest fish, but which are
will open to allow gas to start flowing in harmless to people) at times surround the
from the wells into the pipes. Whether the Snooker, darts and table tennis are popular
platform at night. The sight, says Manager
valves are opened fully, or which wellhead pastimes offshore Atul, is indeed one to behold!

EUROPEAN EXPANSION
Supplying Demand
RasGas (II) and Distrigas sign a 20-year agreement for LNG supply
RasGas and Distrigas officials following the signing ceremony
A
s technological innovations Europe is becoming an increasingly yet another international supply
have lowered liquefied natural attractive market as its indigenous gas agreement with Belgian energy supplier,
gas production costs and with resources are declining and its upitite Distrigas.
oil prices continuing to soar LNG has for LNG is growing. Pursuant to this agreement, Distrigas
finally earned its position as a In continuing to pursue its vision to will import approximately 2.5 billion
commercially sound, technologically safe diversify supply and become a global cubic metres of natural gas per year,
and reliable element in the global energy supplier of LNG, in February 2005 equivalent to approximately 2.05
market. RasGas (II) announced the signing of million tonnes per annum (Mtpa), from
As the world continues to turn its
attention to this environmentally
friendly fuel and LNG projects become
The Belgium terminal will give us access to an
increasingly viable the radius of LNG established, robust market place in Europe which
supply potential has also increased.
has an existing infrastructure and existing
Today, RasGas’ global supply network
includes Sale and Purchase Agreements
commercial arrangements which allows RasGas
with geographically close partners, to be very competitive.
Petronet of India as well as our partners, Alex Dodds., RasGas Managing Director
KOGAS further afield in Korea.

EUROPEAN EXPANSION
Qatar on an ex-ship basis to be delivered

at the Zeebrugge LNG terminal for a
period of 20 years starting in early 2007.
This important agreement will enable
Qatari gas to reach new markets in
North West Europe and is consistent
with the State of Qatar’s long-term
strategy for expanding and diversifying
its natural gas markets. This agreement
is a major achievement for the State of
Qatar and highlights a successful joint-
effort between RasGas (II), its
shareholders Qatar Petroleum and
ExxonMobil, and Distrigas.
The Distrigas agreement also
represents another important step by
RasGas to become a leading supplier
Distrigas Chief Executive Officer, Alain Janssens and H.E. Yousef H. Kamal, RasGas Chairman
of LNG to major markets in Europe,
the United States and the Asia
Pacific region. "We are delighted to add Distrigas to our portfolio
Last summer, Distrigas contracted the
necessary capacity for the new contract
of customers. The strategic location of the
at the Zeebrugge LNG terminal which is Zeebrugge LNG terminal associated with the
due to be expanded in 2008. liquidity of the Zeebrugge Hub and the quality of
H. E. Youssef Hussain Kamal,
the Belgian gas market make this deal a true
Minister of Finance of the State of
Qatar and Chairman of the Boards of success for RasGas."
RasGas, stated, “We are delighted to Yousef Hussain Kamal, Minister of Finance and RasGas Chairman
add Distrigas to our portfolio of
customers. The strategic location of
the Zeebrugge LNG terminal Distrigas at a Glance The company sells more than 23
associated with the liquidity of the Distrigas, part of the Suez Group, billion m3 of natural gas per year, of
Zeebrugge Hub and the quality of the is a natural gas merchant company which a substantial part is sold
Belgian gas market make this deal a listed on the first market of outside of Belgium, its home market.
Euronext Brussels. Benefiting from In addition to the sale and
true success for RasGas.”
its strategic position at the heart of trading/arbitrage of natural gas,
Alain Janssens, Chief Executive
the European gas networks, the Distrigas is also active in the
Officer of Distrigas, declared: “This new
company is now active in Western marketing of transit and
contract underlines the importance of
Europe. With a strong experience international transport capacity and
LNG in the diversification of Distrigas’
of 75 years, Distrigas has developed in LNG trade and shipping.
supply portfolio. We already have an
a real partnership with its In Europe, Distrigas is one of the
expertise of more than 20 years in this
customers-industries, distribution pioneers in LNG, with more than
field. Thanks to this contract, LNG will
companies, electricity producers 20 years of experience in LNG
continue to play an important part of
and natural gas resellers. imports.
Distrigas’ long term supplies.”

MARKETING REPORT
Bienvenida a RasGas
RasGas’ LNG carrier Maersk Ras Laffan sailed triumphantly into the Spanish port of
Cartagena in April 2005. Its LNG cargo was welcomed by Spanish energy company, Endesa
´ SA, as the first delivery of LNG from RasGas (II). This milestone represents the first
Generacion
of many forthcoming deliveries under the 20 year Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) signed
between RasGas and Endesa Generación SA in July 2003.
From left: Ignacio Dominguez, Chief Executive Officer, Endesa; Alberto Hernandez, Gas Manager, Endesa; John Travia, Head of LNG West of Suez,
RasGas; Alvaro Franco, Gas Analyst, Endesa; Safiya Al Hajari, Commercial Officer, RasGas; Eric Sweeney, Commercial Manager, RasGas; Srdan Silic,
Marine Superintendent, RasGas, at the presentation onboard the Maersk Ras Laffan
T he SPA between RasGas (II)

and Endesa was notable not
only for the speed in which
the negotiations were concluded, but
During this 20 year contract,
RasGas (II) will supply 0.8 Mtpa
(800,000 tonnes per annum) of LNG.
RasGas will supply this agreement
Chief Executive Officer of Endesa and
Alberto Hernandez, Endesa’s
Manager along with the Enagás Terminal
Manager and representative’s from
Gas
that it was the first time in the LNG from Qatar’s giant north field, which Enagás management based in Madrid.
industry that a buyer and seller have has recoverable reserves of more than Enagás SA� is the Spanish� receiving
signed a SPA unconditionally. Endesa 900 trillion cubic feet of non- terminal� company responsible for the
is one of RasGas’ growing base of ex- associated gas. storage� and send-out� of� regassified
ship customers, with RasGas The inaugural delivery was celebrated LNG� to� end-users such as power
responsible for transporting LNG onboard the Maersk Ras Laffan LNG stations.
from Qatar initially to Cartagena and carrier. Joining the RasGas Making the presentation on behalf
ultimately to Sagunto in Spain. representatives were Ignacio Dominquez, of RasGas was Ms Safiya S. Al Hajari

MARKETING REPORT
representing RasGas and Qatar. Ms Al

Hajari administers the Endesa SPA on
behalf of RasGas with the additional
responsibility of being the customer’s
focal point within RasGas. On behalf
of RasGas management and to
commemorate this auspicious occasion,
Commercial Manager Eric Sweeney
presented Senor Dominquez with a
traditional Qatari golden dhow.
Other wooden dhows were presented
to the Captain of the Maersk Ras
Laffan, ship-owner’s A.P. Moller and to
representatives from Enagás. Other
attendees from RasGas were Srdan
Silic, Marine Superintendent and John
Travia, Head of LNG West of Suez.
The Maersk Ras Laffan arrived at Ras
Laffan port from Samsung Heavy
Industries (SHI) in Korea in April The Maersk Ras Laffan - delivering Endesa's first LNG cargo
2004. She has a capacity of 138,000
cubic metres and is under a twenty five
long and fruitful relationship between Portuguese gas markets. This
year charter agreement to RasGas. The RasGas and Endesa. partnership will assist Endesa in
Maersk Ras Laffan is the second in an Endesa Generación is the leading achieving its target of 20 per cent of the
expanding fleet of specifically designed electricity generating company in the Iberian market by 2008. RasGas views
LNG carriers under charter to RasGas Iberian Peninsula. It has a growing the Endesa SPA as being important to
to meet its increasing international ex- presence in the natural gas market its own expansion plans especially as the
ship customer base. Traveling at a segments in Spain and Portugal. It Spanish demand for LNG continues to
speed of 19.5 knots, and operated by A. supplies 41.9 per cent of Spain’s electrical grow. RasGas is delighted to be in a
P. Moller, it took her only 13 days to power and has a 10 per cent market share partnership with this growing company
transport her valuable cargo from Qatar of the Spanish natural gas market. and looks forward to a long and
to Spain. The Maersk Ras Laffan will The agreement with RasGas and productive working relationship.
make 13 round trips to Spain each year Endesa will strengthen Endesa’s
to fulfill the conditions of the SPA, competitiveness in the Spanish and By Sinéad Mangan-McHale
traveling a distance of 4,800 nautical
miles each trip inclusive of a Suez
Canal transit in each direction.
Endesa Generación commemorated
Don Quixote in Summary
the cargo delivery by presenting RasGas This classic and world-renowned novel It is the classic adventure of a
with a beautifully illustrated antique “Don Quixote," was written by Spanish madman: the "renowned Don Quixote
edition of "Don Quixote" Book I and author Miguel Cervantes. It is considered de la Mancha." He attacks windmills,
II. This prestigious gift printed in his best work. Book 1 of the novel was believes a peasant girl to be a lady, and
Barcelona in 1881 still has the original published in 1605, when Cervantes was 58. fancies that he is a knight-errant,
leather binder is on display in RasGas’ Book 2 was published in 1615, just one dedicated to righting wrongs and
year before his death. rescuing damsels in distress.
head office representing the start of a

SHIPPING REPORT
Setting Sail The third LNG carrier chartered by RasGas, the

Lusail was officially named by Mrs Gail Dodds,
wife of RasGas Managing Director, Alex Dodds
W
orld class’ was the With an anticipated fleet of 26 tankers, Shipping Company (Q-Ship) and
appropriate theme at the RasGas is ensuring the safe and efficient Mohammed Al Emadi, a senior
most recent RasGas ship delivery of LNG to its growing portfolio representative from Qatar’s embassy in
naming ceremony held in Korea in May of ex-ship customers in the European and Korea.
2005. The third in a growing fleet of American markets. The practice of naming a ship dates
LNG carriers chartered by RasGas, the Recognising the importance of the back to the early fourteenth century when
Lusail was officially named by Mrs Gail maritime tradition of naming a ship, a ceremony was held to safeguard a new
Dodds, wife of RasGas Managing senior representatives from RasGas ship and its crew from the perils of the
Director, Alex Dodds. In her speech, Mrs including Alex Dodds, Managing oceans. A senior female representative
Dodds welcomed a ‘world class’ ship built Director, Nasser Al Naimi, Commercial from the owners of the ship is normally
at a ‘world class’ shipyard as she launched and Shipping Manager and Abdulrahman asked to perform this prestigious task. In
the Lusail. The Lusail is named after the Al Mulla, Deputy Site Manager, DSME, addition to formally announcing the
area of Qatar already gaining fame with its attended the naming ceremony at ship’s name, the sponsor bids the ship
new international motorcycle-racing track Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) shipyard. good wishes for her seagoing life. Gail
that in turn, has its own growing ‘world Accompanying them were Nasser Al Dodds, the new ship’s sponsor proudly
class’ reputation. Romaihi, Chief Executive Officer, Qatar performed the time-honoured tradition

SHIPPING REPORT
naming the Lusail and wishing her, her complete a round trip to the Spanish port Japanese companies MOL, K-Line and
officers and crew “a fair wind and a of Cartagena in 25 days and to Inchon in Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK-Line) are
following sea”. Korea in approximately 30 days. the other consortium members owning
The Lusail is history in the making. It is With a growing international market the vessel. NYK is a Japanese company
not only the largest carrier chartered by and the long-term goal of delivering founded in 1885 and is one of the
RasGas with a 145,000 cubic metre LNG to every corner of the world, world’s leading shipping companies
capacity but is the largest LNG carrier RasGas has specific requirements of its with an excellent commercial
constructed and delivered by Samsung LNG tankers. The design of the Lusail reputation. NYK will operate the Lusail
Heavy Industries (SHI) to date. The makes it compatible with all the major
on behalf of RasGas.
Lusail is the third vessel delivered to LNG loading and discharging
The Lusail set sail from Korea on June
RasGas by SHI. The other vessels are the terminals worldwide. During her 25-
24th and arrived at the Ras Laffan port
Fuwairit and Maersk Ras Laffan, both with year charter period with RasGas, this
in Qatar on 12th July. Following
capacities of 138,000 cubic metres. design will be used to the advantage of
loading with LNG, she commenced her
The increase in capacity of the Lusail the prestigious international RasGas
signifies the pacesetting achievements of first commercial voyage back to Korea
customer base.
RasGas and its efforts to secure improved on July 14th delivering an ex-ship spot
The Lusail is 29.4 per cent owned by
economies of scale and new customer bases. Qatar Shipping Company (Q-Ship). Q- sale to KOGAS. This first voyage was
Lusail’s cargo containment system Ship is Qatar’s largest ship owning and made possible by the dedication and
utilises the French GTT Mark III operating company. It is the first hard work of RasGas’ Operations
membrane system. Its four cargo tanks will company in the Middle East to be fully Group who completed their shutdown
carry LNG at a temperature of certified in all three standards of quality ahead of schedule and thus ensured the
approximately -161 degrees Celsius. With management and systems, namely ISO cargo became available for sale. It
her excellent insulation properties, she will 9001:2000, ISO 41001:1996 and OSHAS demonstrates the strong working
minimise boil-off and therefore maximize 18001:1999. Lusail is Q-Ship’s sixth LNG relationship and teamwork within all
LNG cargo deliveries to RasGas customers vessel and will be joined by two more areas of RasGas, ensuring its reputation
at a cruising speed of 19.5 knots. She will vessels by the year-end. as a key player in the LNG industry.
The Lusail received her maiden cargo of RasGas LNG on the 13th of July 2005

INSIDE STORY

INSIDE STORY
With the rise in Qatar’s profile as a

tourist destination, its name has
become synonymous with fabulous
sporting venues and events, sparkling
warm seas, great shopping experiences
and desert dune bashing. But for those
who yearn for something just that bit
different, and who want to feed their
taste for the historic, a trip to the forts
of Qatar is a must.
Spread out across the country, these
forts offer a glimpse of a bygone time and
the days when the tribes of the land
needed to be constantly on the alert for
invading armies. Qatar has quite an
impressive number of forts and, although Al-koot fort - Entrance
most people are readily able to name the
much-visited forts of Al Koot and Al ruins of the last. The fort and village of Umm Slal Mohammed, located 20
Zubara, these are just a couple of Zubara were destroyed in a siege in kilometres north of Doha, is a great place
examples of the dozen or so heritage sites September 1878. to picnic and satisfy the historian in you.
that the authorities are now renovating. The fort located at Murwab, on the A natural oasis which led to the
western coast of the country is one of the cultivation of the land in this region, it
Al Koot Fort, in the centre of Doha
oldest forts in Qatar. It was built during provides a beautiful area of greenery at
near to Dhow Roundabout, was erected
the Abbasid period. The area is now the foot of the fortress, where visitors love
on a slight hill in what was once the
characterised by limestone desert but it is to spend the day enjoying the beautiful
outskirts of the old town of Doha. Built
believed that the land there was once quite palm tree groves and the traditional
in 1880 during the reign of Sheikh
fertile, with indications of a settlement of irrigation canals (aflaj). The fort was built
Abdulla Bin Qassim Al Thani it is one of
almost 250 houses distributed in the shape by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Jassim during
a number of such forts which were erected
of an arch to the north of the fort. the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It
during the 19th century when the Turkish
Excavations show that the Murwab Fort was has an imposing structure consisting of
occupation troops were based in Qatar. It
built on top of the ruins of an even earlier two tapered towers, a wall measuring 24
was restored in 1978 and set aside as a
fort which had been destroyed by fire. by 13 metres, a number of hanging
museum for the display of traditional and
Bedouin crafts.
The structure of Al Koot, which has one
rectangular and three circular towers, is
very similar to one in the north of the
country at Zubara, which was built in
1938 on the ruins of a walled fortress city.
During the 1700s, Zubara was a
flourishing trade centre and excavations
show that the city covered a site of some
60 hectares: the city walls with the bases
of twenty towers have now been
uncovered and are the subject of an
archaeological study. It is believed that
many successive settlements were founded
in the same area, each one on top of the Umm Slal Mohammed Fort, located 20 kilometres North of Doha

INSIDE STORY
terraces and a series of majilis (sitting Al Thugb Fort is in the north west perfection in the coral and mud-brick
rooms) at different levels. The walls are of Qatar about 110 kilometres from fort which guarded Khor Hassan, the
made of stone and mud bricks, covered Doha. Its rectangular shape with four base for the famous Rahman Bin Jabir.
with gypsum and the structure provided towers typifies desert forts across the A skilled and accomplished sailor with
both civilian and military functions.
country. a somewhat creative approach to
One of Qatar’s most important watch
Ruwaidi Fort is built on a site which seafaring, his varied and daring
towers is the Borj Barzan Fort,
shows evidence of habitation dating exploits made him one of the most
approximately one and a half
back to the 10th century. However, notorious pirates in the region in the
kilometres west of Sheikh Mohammed’s
most artifacts found during excavations early 19th century. Not only did the
fortress. Built at the end of the 19th
date from the 18th century only. Khor Hassan Fort provide him with a
century, this rectangular building of
stone and mud bricks was three storeys
Al Huwaila on the east coast safe haven that dominated the village,
high with two towers and a huge approximately 28 kilometres north of it was also built at a point where there
terrace. The upper levels were accesses Al Khor was the principle town of was only a narrow channel between
from an outside staircase and the Qatar prior to the rise of Al Zubara and two reefs giving access to the open sea.
structure had a dual civilian and Doha and is the site of a fort which was A second channel, west of Khor
military purpose, functioning as a built during the early Islamic period. Hassan was only navigable during the
watchtower and residence. Although The defensive positioning chosen for high spring tides, giving it a superb
most of the structure has been eroded, some coastal forts is exhibited to defensive position.
parts of the towers remain intact.
The Wajba Fort, located in close
proximity to the Emir’s present
residence, the Wajba Palace, is another
ruin that has recently been restored to
its former glory.
Considered the country’s oldest fort,
it is distinguished by its high towers and
its simple yet strong walls. Passing
through its heavily fortified doors gives
visitors a feeling of having entered
another era. A winding staircase leads
to the upper level where there is a clear
view of the land for miles around. A
small structure in one corner suggests a
mosque; and a majilis close by
supported by huge wooden pillars
completes the picture.
Some of the many other forts and
remains spread throughout the
country include:
Al Rekayat Fort, located around
110 kilometres from Doha, was built
between the 17th and 18th centuries.
Made of rectangle mud and stone
construction with four corner towers, it
was restored in 1988. Al Zubara Fort

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RasGas Contents

Issue No 12 • July • October 2005

Editor 4 A Window to Our World 2

Arabic Edition Finance and Investment in Qatar 10

Photography 12 Future Focus

RasGas Employees Come to

18.5 Million man-hours of safe work In another major achievement RasGas

2 RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005

RasGas Sharing Experience News In Brief

RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005 3

4 RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005

As a leading employer RasGas has

collectively form some of the best business the programme.

RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005 5

6 RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005

stand. The stand hosted participants

RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005 7

Qatar’s Global LNG Strategy

RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005 9

Qatar the place to be,

10 RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005

During his address Al Attiyah

and investors." technology to build safe and

RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005 11

12 RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005

RasGas will also be extending its global

RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005 13

14 RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005

RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005 15

16 RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005

developments, and to overcome

RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005 17

Oryx GTL is the first gas-to-liquids project in the Middle East

18 RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005

This joint venture between Qatar

RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005 19

Location, Location, Location

20 RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005

reserves within the North Field. Secondly, Worldwide GTL Production

RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005 21

22 RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005

RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005 23

24 RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005

RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005 25

26 RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005

beware of. During the hottest months, Life onboard

RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005 27

RasGas and Distrigas officials following the signing ceremony

28 RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005

Qatar on an ex-ship basis to be delivered

RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005 29

T he SPA between RasGas (II)

30 RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005

representing RasGas and Qatar. Ms Al

RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005 31

Setting Sail The third LNG carrier chartered by RasGas, the

32 RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005

RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005 33

34 RasGas Magazine, July • October 2005