Qatargas sends first Q-Max LNG cargo to US

Qatargas has announced the departure of its first Q-Max vessel to the United Sates of America.

The vessel Umm Slal, which set sail from Ras Laffan Port with 240,000 cubic metres of liquefied natural gas (LNG), is expected to reach the Sabine Pass LNG terminal in Louisiana on New Year's eve.

"We are really proud to send the first Q-Max LNG cargo to the United States at the end of 2009, which has been one of the most eventful years for Qatargas," commented Faisal Al Suwaidi, chairman and CEO of Qatargas.

"This cargo is quite exciting for us as Umm Slal will be the first Q-Max to cross Atlantic and deliver LNG to the Americas. Coming close on the heels of our first Q-Flex LNG to China, this cargo underscores the increasing role of Qatargas in providing stable energy supplies to the world - from the East to the West," he added.

According to Al Suwaidi, the Q-Max has 80 percent more capacity than conventional LNG carriers, with about 40 percent lower energy requirements due to the economies of scale created by their size, and the efficiency of the engines.

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