The year 2009 has been a year of historic achievements in the LNG industry. Several large supply projects have started operations and have begun to deliver their LNG into the global market. Qatar became the largest LNG producer by starting three of the world's largest trains during 2009. Technological advances in shipping have allowed ships to deliver LNG volumes more efficiently to distant or untapped markets than in the past. Global regasification capacity has also grown significantly enhancing the ability of many nations to secure LNG supplies. These increases in LNG production, shipping and regasification terminal capacity came online during the worst economic downturn most have ever experienced. However, because of the durability and long term focus of the LNG industry's business model this downturn has not had as significant an impact as previously thought. And by leveraging its model and optimizing its portfolio, Qatar will deliver LNG to the world. As we begin the new decade, we expect to see the global economy return to positive growth and a related increase in demand for natural gas. As we move forward the LNG industry will need to continue to adapt to changing markets, changing political landscapes and new sources of demand.
展开▼
