To support marine ecosystems and to minimize industrial process effects on the marine environment, Qatargas is pioneering the use of two innovative,
cutting-edge technologies.
Encouraging Biodiversity: EcoReefs®
Fragile, beautiful coral reefs are among the most diverse and productive communities on earth. Qatar’s coral reef communities have been severely damaged by natural climate fluctuations. Qatargas is helping damaged coral reefs off Ras Laffan to recover by creating artificial reefs using EcoReefs® technology.
Reducing Marine Impact: Pulse-Chlorination®
Oysters that colonize and clog the seawater cooling system at Qatargas’ LNG plant have traditionally been controlled by chlorine. The use of Pulse-Chlorination® technology is dramatically reducing the amount of chlorine used to control this biofouling, lowering the impact on marine life.
Coral Relocation Programme
The programme undertaken in 2007 involved the development and execution of a coral protection plan that provided protection to over 4,500 coral colonies in an area that would have been affected by Qatargas expansion projects. The coral colonies were carefully detached from the sea floor, safely transported to their new location and then re-attached to the sea floor. Scientists then numbered and tagged the sites for future monitoring. Follow-up surveys highlighted a healthy and growing new reef.
Protecting Wildlife: Sea Snake Monitoring and Release Programme
One of the most commonly found marine organisms in the collection baskets that stop marine animals from entering our seawater cooling system is the sea snake. In 2001, Qatargas and Ras Laffan City (RLC) initiated a joint study to monitor local populations of these fascinating, poorly understood creatures.
Minimizing Marine Impact: Banishing the Barnacle
Qatargas was one of the first LNG companies to replace traditional tin-based anti-fouling paints with a new environmentally friendly silicon-based alternative. The anti-fouling characteristics of this slippery surface paint protect the hulls of our fleet of LNG transportation ships from adhesion by unwanted marine growth, such as barnacles.
