Dolphin loads its first cargo of condensate produced in Ras Laffan

Dolphin loads its first cargo of condensate produced in Ras Laffan

By Himendra Mohan Kumar, Staff Reporter/GULF NEWS Published: August 12, 2007, 23:00

Abu Dubai: Dolphin Energy Limited, a joint venture company comprising Abu Dhabi government's investment arm, Mubadala Development Company, Total of France and Occidental Petroleum of the United States, yesterday said it had successfully loaded its first-ever cargo of 500,000 barrels of condensate, produced from its natural gas processing plant at Ras Laffan, Qatar.

Dolphin Energy, however, did not disclose where the cargo was headed.

"Our customers are all signed up. When we reach full production early next year, we will be transporting two billion standard cubic feet of gas per day to the UAE," a Dolphin Energy official told Gulf News. However, the official declined to provide the company's current gas production figures.

"Two additional cargoes will follow in August. About six similar-sized cargoes of condensate are expected to be exported every month once full production is reached," Dolphin Energy said in a statement.

Massive initiative

The Dolphin gas project is the largest single energy initiative ever undertaken in the Middle East.

Dolphin gas, a source of clean energy for the Southern Gulf, involves the production and processing of natural gas from Qatar's North Field, and transportation of the dry gas by sub-sea export pipeline from Qatar to the UAE.

Through its supply of natural gas from Qatar, it will also bring together the UAE, Qatar and Oman in a regional energy network for the first time.

Long-term customers for the gas from Qatar are Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority, Union Water & Electricity Authority, Dubai Supply Authority and, from 2008 onwards, Oman Oil Company. Each of these have signed gas supply agreements with Dolphin Energy for 25 years.

Dolphin Energy is owned 51 per cent by Mubadala Development Company, on behalf of the Government of Abu Dhabi, and 24.5 per cent each by Total and Occidental.

Dolphin Energy was created with the aim of developing substantial energy projects throughout the GCC and supporting the development of long-term industries throughout the region. It is expected to create wealth, economic growth and employment opportunities for the citizens and residents of the region.