Market Intelligence
Oil and Gas Field Machinery Energy Qatar Middle East Trade Development

Qatar – Oil & Gas North Field Expansion (NFE) Project

Qatar is the largest global exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), and the country’s exports of LNG, crude oil, and petroleum products constitute the majority of government revenue. Despite the government’s concerted diversification efforts under Vision 2030, Qatar’s earnings from its hydrocarbons sector account for more than 50% of the country’s total government revenues. Significant opportunities exist in Qatar for U.S. companies offering products and services in the LNG production process, particularly since Qatar is currently undertaking a $30 billion North Field Expansion in the LNG sector.

The North Field Expansion (NFE) development plan includes six mega liquefied natural gas (LNG) trains which is going to ramp up Qatar’s liquefaction capacity from 77 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 126 mtpa, which is approximately 64% production increase by 2027.  

A self-imposed 12-year moratorium on further developing LNG extraction from the North Field was lifted in May 2021, allowing Qatar Petroleum (QP) to proceed with the North Field LNG Expansion, which will increase LNG production in two phases. The first phase of the North Field project is expected to increase capacity by 43% from 77 million tons per annum (mtpa) to 110 mtpa by 2025. The second phase, called the North Field South Project (NFS), will further increase the production capacity from 110 mtpa to 126 mtpa, a total 64% increase by 2027. This project includes the development of six LNG mega trains, creating significant opportunities for U.S. energy companies.

Over the years, Qatar had established strong multinational partners and it is a firm believer of knowledge and technology transfer. It has adopted state-of-the-art technologies and solutions from global trading partners.  U.S. technologies enjoy a strong reputation in Qatar in these sectors, and opportunities exist for U.S. firms in the oil and gas sector as Qatar undergoes this expansion.

Sub-sector areas with strong market potential in upstream, midstream, and downstream are ample, some of which include:

  • Instrumentation and testing equipment
  • Heat exchangers
  • Valves
  • Pumps
  • Engine controls
  • Drilling
  • Well-servicing and maintenance contractors
  • Next Steps for the U.S. client

U.S. companies offering quality solutions for these opportunities should contact the U.S. Commercial Service in Qatar to explore matchmaking, market research, and other assistance. U.S. firms should also reach out to CS Qatar to note participation in oil & gas or energy trade shows as they resume post-pandemic to be introduced to Qatari participants.

For more information please contact Golda Agnazata, Commercial Specialist Golda.Agnazata@trade.gov.