Shell Malaysia Sends Technical Expertise to World’s Largest GTL Plant in Qatar

Bintulu - Shell Malaysia reinforced its commitment to complement the government’s efforts in developing Malaysian human capital with the posting of senior Shell technicians to assist in the commissioning and start-up activities at the world’s largest gas to liquids (GTL) plant in Qatar.

“The oil and gas industry is highly technology-driven and capital intensive, and this support we are providing to Shell’s Pearl GTL project demonstrates that Malaysia is capable of competing in niche, technical areas globally,” says Anuar Taib, Shell Malaysia Chairman.

“As a partner in Malaysia’s progress, Shell is proud to contribute to the enhancement of our nation’s intellectual asset pool through the assignment of 12 senior technicians to the Qatar project, which is set to convert natural gas to 140,000 barrels per day of clean-burning liquid transport fuel and other products,” adds Anuar.

All 12 are Sarawakians who have been working in the 14,700 barrel-per-day Bintulu GTL plant, where the Shell Middle Distillate Synthesis (SMDS) process was proven on a commercial scale over the course of three decades. The proprietary SMDS process is now at the heart of the Pearl GTL plant.

The technicians are on a year-long assignment, where they will be working alongside other technical experts in performing commissioning and start-up activities in Pearl GTL. A second batch of Shell MDS technicians is expected to be sent to Qatar in early 2012.

“This is a milestone for Shell MDS and also for Sarawakians. Pearl GTL needed additional experienced resource with the right skills and capability, which we have in Bintulu. This also represents a huge progress in the team’s career development in Shell,” says Mark Pattenden, General Manager, Manufacturing, who was present at the Bintulu Airport to send off the inaugural team to Qatar last weekend.

As the pioneers for the industry in Malaysia, Shell invested time, money and energy in developing the human resources needed to man and grow its operations in the country, underlining the business community’s integral role in realising this manpower requirement.

In order to build up local expertise, selected Malaysian employees are routinely sent to work overseas. This way, Malaysians can gain a wider experience as they are exposed to different work situations. Such experience would better equip Malaysian staff for more responsible jobs and senior positions upon their return, concludes Anuar.

About Shell MDS (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

Shell MDS (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (Shell MDS) located in Bintulu was started up in 1993 and is the world’s first commercial GTL plant of its kind. It has the capacity to convert approximately three million cubic meters per day of natural gas into some 14,700 barrels per day of cleaner GTL products.

Shell MDS produces a wide range of high quality waxes, specialty chemicals and transport fuels, which are marketed to over 40 countries in Asia, Europe, USA, Africa and Australia. GTL products are virtually free from sulphur and aromatics, and highly biodegradable.

ENQUIRIES:

For further information, please contact:

Sabah & Sarawak
Khaty Rapaie (Bintulu)
Tel:    +6017 862 6263 or +60 86 292 401 
Email: khajizah.rapaie@shell.com

Joseph Balan (Miri)
Tel:     +6085 452628 
Email: joseph.balan@shell.com
Peninsular Malaysia
Cindy Lopez
Tel:     +603 2091 3719
Email: cindy.lopez@shell.com

Jini Wong 
Tel:    +603 2091 2149
Email: jini.wong@shell.com