Peter Voser, CEO of Shell, in a speech at the World Petroleum Congress stressed his desire to continue Shells strategic partnership with Qatar and discussed the challenges facing the energy industry which is changing the nature of industry partnerships.
Voser talked extensively about recent developments in Shell's operations in Qatar and how the oil giant has played a key role in a number of Qatar's most recent milestones but also how Shell hopes to deepen its ties with the state of Qatar.
Shell's CEO highlighted that "over the last five years, Shell has invested almost US$20 billion in Qatar. It is a reflection of this nation's business climate that we feel confident to make such a large commitment."
Last year's achievement by Qatar of reaching annual LNG production capacity of 77mn tonnes which was achieved in record time was highlighted by Vose, who said: "Shell is honored to have played a role in this achievement, as a shareholder in Qatargas 4, and as the provider of operations and maintenance services to the Nakilat LNG fleet."
Qatar a world leader
While, at the end of November, Shell with its partner Qatar Petroleum (QP) opened their Pearl GTL which saw Qatar become the world leader in gas-to-liquids (GTL) with Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani inaugurating the new plant. "Pearl GTL provides Qatar new ways to derive higher value from its abundant gas resources, through high quality fuels and related products," Voser added.
Voser described the signing of a Heads of Agreement on recently for a petrochemicals complex with Qatar Petroleum a great example of Shell consolidating its "strong partnership with Qatar Petroleum across the full chain of hydrocarbon development."
Voser explained that: "the project will not only supply the world with much-needed products, but it will create more jobs and opportunities for derivatives here in Qatar, further expanding and diversifying Qatar's industrial base in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030."
Voser concluded by talking about: "the changing role of partnerships in our industry. Our partnership with Qatar Petroleum is a good example."
Strategic partnerships
"Shell has forged several innovative strategic partnerships in recent years. One of which we are especially proud is our partnership with Qatar Petroleum and the State of Qatar. As we look ahead at the significant challenges facing our world, it is through partnerships such as these that we can summon the innovation, resources, skills and cooperation needed to succeed," ended Voser.
