Shell has confirmed that unit 2 of its Pearl GTL (Gas-to-Liquids) plant, located in Qatar and operated jointly with QatarEnergy, will require approximately one year for complete repair. This estimate follows a technical assessment conducted after the attacks that occurred in the region on March 18, in the context of the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
More Details on the Pearl GTL Plant
Unit 1 of the plant sustained no damage and continues to operate normally, according to the statement issued by the company in response to QatarEnergy’s official declaration of March 19. The Pearl GTL plant is one of the world’s largest gas-to-liquids conversion facilities, a key component of Shell’s energy strategy in the Middle East.
Additionally, the British giant reported that its 30% stake in QatarEnergy LNG N(4), equivalent to an equity production of 2.4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of liquefied natural gas (LNG), has not been affected. The N(4) plant, an integrated onshore facility that processes up to 1,400 million standard cubic feet per day (scf/d), is currently operating normally, with no visible consequences from the attacks.
Preventive Suspension and Force Majeure
However, QatarEnergy halted production at all its LNG facilities on March 2 and subsequently declared force majeure, a measure reflecting the instability of operating conditions in the region.
The oil company also maintains LNG supply contracts from other QatarEnergy LNG facilities, so the situation remains under constant monitoring. The financial implications arising from these disruptions will be addressed in the next Quarterly Update Note, scheduled for publication on April 8, 2026.
Likewise, the extended repair time for unit 2 raises questions about supply chain continuity and the consequences for the global market for gas-derived products. The event underscores the vulnerability of energy infrastructure in geopolitically sensitive areas and anticipates strategic adjustments in both production and export contracts.
Fuente y foto: Shell