The Ras Laffan Gas Facility

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Key takeaways

The Ras Laffan gas facility in Qatar is the world's largest LNG export hub and processes gas from the massive North Field.
An explosion at the Barzan Gas Project facility in March 2026 injured 54 people and left 18 workers missing.
The facility produces 4 billion standard cubic feet of sales gas daily through a $10.4 billion joint venture with ExxonMobil.
Missile strikes in March 2026 damaged two production units, temporarily destroying 17% of its LNG capacity and risking $20 billion in annual revenue.

A massive explosion and fire recently struck the Barzan Gas Project facility located inside Qatar's Ras Laffan industrial zone.
This dangerous incident resulted in injuries to 54 people while leaving 18 workers missing.
This event brings major global attention to the safety and security of critical energy infrastructure in the Middle East.

The Ras Laffan gas facility functions as the world's largest liquefied natural gas export hub and features the largest artificial harbor globally.
It operates as a heavily secured industrial center built to process, refine, and ship natural gas across the world.

This critical facility stands in the Al Khor municipality of Qatar.
It is located roughly 80 kilometers north of Doha, which is the capital city of Qatar.

QatarEnergy launched this industrial city in 1996 to handle petrochemical operations for gas extracted from the North Field.
The complex relies on the North Field, which holds more than 900 trillion standard cubic feet of recoverable gas and stands as the world's largest non-associated natural gas deposit.
During regional conflicts in March 2026, missile attacks struck the asset on March 18, 2026, bypassing defense shields.
These strikes damaged two of its fourteen production units, temporarily wiping out 17% of its LNG capacity and creating a $20 billion annual revenue risk.

The Barzan Gas Plant operates as a central $10.4 billion joint venture alongside ExxonMobil and produces 4 billion standard cubic feet of sales gas every day.
The zone includes major downstream processing plants like the Pearl GTL, ORYX GTL, the Dolphin gas processing hub, and the Laffan Refinery.
Three massive power and desalination facilities named Ras Laffan A, Ras Laffan B, and Ras Girtas supply electricity and fresh water to the area.
A dedicated petrochemical port spans 56 square kilometers and handles over 10,000 ship dockings every year while exporting 15 million tons of liquid products annually.
A specialized emergency pipeline connected to the Ras Laffan Emergency & Safety College along with a repair zone provides dedicated crisis support.