Hormuz Disruptions Delay QatarEnergy's LNG Expansion Plans

QatarEnergy's North Field LNG expansion is facing delays due to disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, CEO Saad al-Kaabi said. The timeline for additional trains depends on the situation at the strait, which has prevented equipment needed for the expansion from reaching Qatar. Several NFE trains are expected to start up in 2027, but the North Field South expansion is set to begin production in 2028.

The company is also repairing damage to its Ras Laffan LNG export hub after 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 is currently producing very little LNG.