Representatives from Tasweeq, Qatar Shell and Qatar Petroleum celebrate the loading of first GTL-blended jet fuel cargo.
DOHA: Qatar International Petroleum Marketing Company Ltd (Tasweeq) and Pearl GTL witnessed yesterday the loading of its first export cargo of GTL-blended jet fuel from Ras Laffan, produced from the world’s largest gas-to-liquids (GTL) plant.
Chief Executive Officer of Tasweeq, Saad Al Kuwari said: “The State of Qatar has entrusted Tasweeq with the export of GTL naphtha and jet fuel. In 2011, we have sold the first cargo of GTL-naphtha. We are also so proud of adding yet another GTL product to Tasweeq portfolio. I am sure GTL-blended jet fuel produced in Qatar will also enjoy a sound reputation as a quality product in key international markets around the world. We are keen to be introducing GTL-blended jet fuel to global customers in the aviation industry.”
Managing Director and Chairman of Qatar Shell, Wael Sawan said: “This is a proud moment in our partnership with Qatar Petroleum as it further cements Qatar’s position as the GTL capital of the world. The export of GTL-blended jet fuel from Pearl GTL demonstrates the international market’s appetite for the new product. GTL-blended jet fuel can be safely used for commercial aviation across all legacy aircraft as well as the latest models of airframes and engines on the drawing boards today.”
GTL-blended jet fuel is a blend of GTL-kerosene and conventional crude oil-derived standard jet fuel. GTL-kerosene burns with virtually zero sulphur dioxide and produces lower particulate emissions (very fine soot particles) than conventional crude oil-derived jet fuel. This means that once blended with conventional jet fuel to create GTL-blended jet fuel, it can be attractive to airlines and airport authorities keen to improve local air quality at busy airports by reducing local emissions.
GTL-kerosene also has a lower density than conventional oil-based kerosene. This has the potential to reduce the required fuel payload and aircraft may be able to carry less weight of fuel to cover the same distance and its cleaner burning characteristics may result in lower engine maintenance.
It is fully approved for civil aviation use at concentrations up to 50 percent blended with conventional jet fuel. As an alternative to conventional crude oil-derived jet fuel, it can help diversify the aviation fuel supply chain and offers a number of attractive benefits for airlines and airports.
The Pearl GTL plant in Qatar (jointly developed by Qatar Petroleum and Shell) started first production of GTL-kerosene in 2012 third quarter. This is blended with conventional Jet A-1 produced at the nearby Ras Laffan Condensate Refinery to produce GTL-blended jet-fuel for use either in Qatar or for export. Exports will be managed via Tasweeq, the marketing company established by Qatar for the sales & marketing of regulated products.
This first export cargo of GTL-blended jet fuel consisted of 40,000 metric tonnes of a 25 percent GTL-kerosene containing blend and was loaded by RLTO, the Ras Laffan Terminal Operator. Representatives from Tasweeq, Qatar Shell and Qatar Petroleum celebrated this milestone together.
The Peninsula
