Oil and gas have made Qatar one of the world’s faster growing countries, with income per capita now equal to that of the EU. Oil and gas account for 70 percent of Qatar’s government revenue. Proved oil reserves of more than 15 billion barrels are expected to ensure output at current levels for 23 years.
Qatar’s oil production was 790,000 barrels per day in 2005 (estimated). In December that year, Maersk Oil Qatar AS (an A.P. Moller - Maersk Group company) and Qatar Petroleum agreed on further development of the Al Shaheen offshore oil field, some 180km north of the capital Doha. The field had been discovered in 1992 by Maersk Oil, and Maersk Oil Qatar became the operator. In the first quarter of 2006, the field produced 240,000 barrels per day, and it is projected to reach the level of 525,000 barrels by late 2009. Production is estimated to continue until 2012. The number of platforms will peak at 18.
Some of the pipes for sensitive sections in the top side equipment on the Al Shaheen platforms are manufactured by the French company BSL Tube & Raccords. This producer specializes in stainless steel pipes and fittings for demanding applications including oil and gas. Offshore platforms’ top side equipment must withstand very high corrosion, especially due to the aggressiveness of crude oil.
In October 2007, BSL placed an order with Outokumpu for 408 metric tons of the super-austenitic grade 254 SMO® for the Al Shaheen pipes, with an additional 140 tons in option. This high-alloyed super-austenitic grade was developed and patented by Outokumpu to withstand the most corrosive environments, including those presented by crude oil. Outokumpu has in the past supplied large volumes of this grade for pipes used on offshore platforms designed for 70-year life spans in the North Sea.
The Outokumpu supply of super-austenitic 254 SMO® for BSL comprises 253 tons of plate and 155 tons of coil. The supply is Outokumpu’s first in this grade destined for the Qatar offshore industry.
For more information, contact:
Hachemi Loucif
Outokumpu Head of Desalination Business,
Member of Oil & Gas Segment
Degerfors, Sweden
Tel. +46 586 47 626
E-mail: hachemi.loucif(at)outokumpu.com