Qatar Petroleum has invited international companies to submit proposals to become a joint-venture partner in developing and operating a petrochemicals complex at Ras Laffan, Qatar.

The complex will include an ethane cracker with a capacity of 1.6 million t/y of ethylene, making it the largest cracker in the Middle East, Qatar Petroleum said. Engineering design should commence shortly and completion is anticipated in 2025.

“Petrochemicals represent a major pillar of our growth strategy to achieve our vision of becoming one of the best national oil companies in the world. This project will complement our efforts to implement our strategy and will enable Qatar Petroleum to further expand its footprint in the global petrochemicals markets,” said CEO Saad al-Kaabi.

Ethane feedstock will come primarily from Qatar's new expansion projects at the giant offshore North Field gas field in the Persian Gulf as well as from existing gas projects.