Pearl GTL nearing completion

A barge carrying the second of two Pearl gas-to-liquids (GTL) project platform structures has left the J Ray McDermott Middle East, Inc. fabrication yard in Dubai bound for the waters north of Qatar. The structure, known as a topside, is scheduled to be lifted onto its jacket which are already in place offshore, completing the Pearl 2 production platform. Pearl GTL is the largest energy project ever launched in the State of Qatar. It will produce liquid fuels, lubricants and chemical feed stocks from natural gas, opening new markets for Qatar’s natural resources. “The safe departure of the Pearl 2 topside from the yard is another sign we are nearing completion of the massive Pearl GTL project,” said Andy Brown, Shell’s executive vice president and managing director of the Pearl GTL project.  The Pearl GTL project is being developed by Qatar Petroleum and Royal Dutch Shell Plc. (October 31, 2010)