2nd LNG Technology Global Summit commences

Over two days of fruitful discussions, these experts will deliberate on LNG market forces, demand-supply dynamics, new-age technologies and trading strategies for an evolving marketplace.

ExxonMobil Qatar's Business and Project Development Manager, Mr. Andres Acosta delivered the keynote address. His presentation entitled, "The outlook for energy - A view to 2040", discussed the link between economic growth and energy demand, the growing role of natural gas, and how recent technology developments will help make natural gas the fastest growing energy source.

"There is hardly a better place to talk about the role technology can play in the development of new resources than here in Qatar," said Acosta.

He added, "Working together ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum have pursued long-term, innovative solutions that neither of us could have accomplished alone. Implementing these technologies throughout the value chain has placed Qatar in the position as the world's largest supplier of LNG - diversifying the global energy portfolio and strengthening energy security in Europe, Asia, and beyond."

One of the focus areas of the conference is FPSO conversion, an approach to reduce cost and time to market. Manindera Paul Singh, Executive Director Global Engineering - Drydocks World is speaking on this subject. He lays stress on typical FPSO field development, key challenges in converting a tanker to FPSO, and the Drydocks World Matrix. Jonas Jonhede, Chief Financial Officer at D&H Solutions AS, will highlight the timing, application, financial hurdles and geographical benefits of FLNG.

After a networking session, conference chairman David Small will address delegates about floating LNG - it's applicability, role and medium term outlook. Small is the Strategic Oil, Gas, LNG and Government Affairs Adviser -USA at the Washington D.C based consultancy firm, the AGA Group.

Small will also moderate two panel discussions later today, the first on LNG FPSOs and the later on Shale Gas - progress, technologies and threat to conventional LNG producers.

The concluding session for the day will be on energy conservation through efficeint steam circuit management by Suresh Kadari, Sales Manager STC at Petroleum Technology Company (Petrotec)

Tomorrow, day two of the conference, will focus on impact of technology on gas market development, technologies for LNG transportation, storage and trading and the "environship concept".