Qatar and Rotterdam launch strategic co-operation deal

QATAR Petroleum, the world largest LNG-producer, and Europe's main energy port or Rotterdam will embark on a long-term co-operation project to develop Qatar's port of Ras Laffan to high international standards.

"With this co-operation, Rotterdam wants to strengthen its position as Europe's main energy port in the supply chain for LNG and associated hydrocarbon products," said Port CEO Hans Smits.

Qatar Petroleum is a state-owned petroleum company in Qatar, which owns the Port of Ras Laffan, operates all oil and gas activities in the country, which represent 60 per cent of the Qatar's GDP. Currently it is the third largest oil company in the world by oil and gas reserves.

The deal was announced during a visit to Rotterdam by His Highness, Qatar's minister to the Netherlands, Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al Thani.

The Port of Rotterdam will share its expertise in port management, development and in other related fields with Qatar Petroleum and thereby aim to bring efficiency in port operations to world class standards.