QatarEnergy expects the first LNG train of the North Field East (NFE) expansion to start production in the first half of 2027, but the schedule for additional trains could be affected by the ongoing Strait of Hormuz disruption. Equipment required for the expansion has reportedly been unable to reach Qatar because of the crisis.
Qatar is also repairing damage to its Ras Laffan LNG export hub, where attacks affected two LNG trains and a gas-to-liquids plant, temporarily eliminating around 17% of Qatar’s LNG capacity. Repairs to the LNG trains could take up to three years, while the GTL plant is expected to be repaired by the first quarter of 2027.
QatarEnergy CEO Saad al-Kaabi said Qatar could restore normal gas operations within weeks after the Strait of Hormuz reopens, although LNG production is currently very limited. He also said QatarEnergy is expanding its LNG trading business and expects to become the world's largest LNG trader.
Meanwhile, the second and third trains of the Golden Pass LNG project in Texas, jointly owned by QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil, are expected to become fully operational in 2027. The project will eventually produce about 18 million tons of LNG per year.
Kaabi also ruled out using pipelines through neighboring countries as a practical alternative to Hormuz-based exports, citing commercial and technical considerations.