Qatar, Thailand Explore Joint LNG

Qatargas and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore collaborative efforts in the LNG business, Qatargas said April 2.

“Under the terms of the MoU, the parties will jointly identify and evaluate best practices in the LNG industry, particularly in the sharing of knowledge and expertise in procurement of LNG, LNG transportation, and floating storage and regasification units (FSRU). In addition, the MoU includes a scope for the possible supply of LNG to the kingdom of Thailand,” Qatargas said. A committee of representatives from both companies will be formed to execute the terms of the MoU.​

“Qatargas is very pleased to announce this MoU with Egat. On behalf of the team, I would like to convey our deep commitment to working with Egat and identifying world-class LNG solutions which meet their business needs. Once identified, we look forward to the prospect of building a long-term supply relationship with Egat," Qatargas CEO Khalid Bin Khalifa Al-Thani said.

Kornrasit Pakchotanon, governor, Egat, said: “Egat is pleased to collaborate with Qatargas, the world leading LNG supplier with strong technology and industry knowledge. We look forward to learning from their expertise and developing best business solution together." 

Thailand’s gas demand has been rising while local supplies have been declining, forcing it to rely more on imported LNG. Last year, Qatargas delivered the first Q-Max cargo of LNG (270,000 m³), under its long-term agreement with Thai PTT. It arrived at the Map Ta Phut terminal which started operations in 2011, with the first Qatari LNG cargo. Map Ta Phut LNG receiving terminal is the only LNG receiving terminal operating in Thailand.