Hormuz Disruptions Threaten Delay for Qatar's LNG Expansion Plans

QatarEnergy CEO Saad al-Kaabi warned that ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz may delay Qatar's LNG expansion projects. The first LNG train of the North Field East (NFE) expansion is still expected to start production in the first half of 2027, but the schedule for additional trains could be affected. Equipment required for the expansion has been unable to reach Qatar due to the crisis.

The Strait of Hormuz disruption has also forced Qatar to repair damage to its Ras Laffan LNG export hub. Two LNG trains and a gas-to-liquids plant were damaged, temporarily eliminating around 17% of Qatar’s LNG capacity. Repairs to the LNG trains could take up to three years, while the GTL plant is expected to be repaired by the first quarter of 2027.

QatarEnergy plans to expand its LNG trading business and expects to become the world's largest LNG trader. The company has also partnered with ExxonMobil on the Golden Pass LNG project in Texas, which will eventually produce about 18 million tons of LNG per year. The second and third trains of this project are expected to become fully operational in 2027.