Hormuz Crisis Delays QatarEnergy LNG Expansion Plans

QatarEnergy's LNG expansion project has faced delays due to the ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, according to CEO Saad al-Kaabi. The company expects the first train of its North Field East (NFE) liquefied natural gas expansion project to begin production in the first half of 2027.

The start-up of additional trains will depend on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Kaabi said. Several LNG trains under the NFE expansion are scheduled to begin production in 2027, while the North Field South expansion is expected to start production in 2028.

Qatar is also dealing with damage caused by attacks on its Ras Laffan export hub, which reduced 17% of the country's LNG capacity. Kaabi said two LNG trains were damaged in the attacks and could take up to three years to repair. A gas-to-liquids plant was also damaged, with repairs expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.