Qatar pushes ahead with North Field expansion despite LNG disruptions
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Qatar is moving ahead with its North Field gas expansion after awarding a key contract, even as regional tensions continue to disrupt LNG output and exports.
Qatar is moving ahead with a major expansion of its North Field gas project even as disruptions to LNG output and exports highlight the growing impact of regional tensions on global energy supply.
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US-based Baker Hughes has secured a “major” contract from QatarEnergy for the North Field West (NFW) project, according to its first-quarter 2026 results.
The award covers critical equipment for two LNG “mega trains”, including six gas turbines, 12 centrifugal compressors and integrated power systems, which are central to gas liquefaction.
The deal highlights continued investment in large-scale LNG infrastructure despite short-term disruptions.
Expansion plans
The North Field West project forms part of Qatar’s broader strategy to increase LNG production capacity from 77 million tonnes per year to 142 million tonnes per year once all expansion phases are completed.
The NFW phase alone is expected to add around 16 million tonnes per year through two new production lines.
QatarEnergy has already awarded engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts for the project to an international consortium, with first output previously expected towards the end of the decade.
The Baker Hughes contract also includes equipment for a carbon capture and transport facility capable of handling up to 4.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, reflecting efforts to integrate emissions-reduction technologies into new energy infrastructure.
Disruptions and tensions
The expansion push comes as Qatar’s gas output and exports face disruptions linked to escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Data and industry estimates point to a decline in production and a sharp drop in LNG exports in recent months, with part of the country’s export capacity affected.
Recovery is likely to take time due to the complexity of repairs and long lead times for specialised equipment.
The disruptions have raised concerns over supply flows from the Gulf, a key source of global LNG.
Long-term strategy
Despite these challenges, Qatar is maintaining its long-term LNG expansion strategy as global demand for gas remains strong and energy security concerns intensify.
Baker Hughes reported total orders of $8.2 billion (€7bn) in the first quarter, driven in part by strong demand for LNG and gas infrastructure, reflecting continued investment momentum in the sector.
The North Field, the world’s largest non-associated gas field, remains central to Qatar’s ambitions to cement its position as a leading global LNG exporter.
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