Hormuz Disruptions Delay North Field LNG Expansion Plans
QatarEnergy's North Field LNG expansion is facing disruptions due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, according to CEO Saad al-Kaabi. The first train of the North Field East (NFE) liquefied natural gas expansion is expected to start production in the first half of 2027.
The timeline for additional trains depends on the disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Kaabi said at the Qatar Economic Forum Special Edition in New York. Equipment needed for the expansion remains unable to reach Qatar because of the disruption.
Qatar is also repairing damage to its Ras Laffan LNG export hub following attacks that knocked out about 17% of the country’s LNG capacity. Two LNG trains were damaged and could take up to three years to repair, while repairs to a gas-to-liquids plant are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.
Qatar would be able to restore normal gas operations within weeks of the Strait of Hormuz reopening, Kaabi said. The country was currently producing very little LNG, he added.