A Shell statement said the Qatargas 4 project comprised the integrated development of upstream gas production facilities to produce 1.4 bcf/d of gas and substantial quantities of associated liquids from Qatar's North Field. It would feed to a single LNG train producing about 7.8 million tons per annum.

It has a planned a 25 year life, targeting markets in North America and Europe.

The Qatargas-4 joint venture interests are Qatar Petroleum 70% and Shell 30%. LNG deliveries are expected to begin around 2010-2012.

The agreement was signed on behalf of Qatar Petroleum by His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, second deputy premier and minister of energy and industry of Qatar and by Jeroen van der Veer, chief executive of The Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies.

Also present at the signing were Faisal Bin Mohammed Al Suwaidi, vice chairman and chief executive officer of Qatargas, and Linda Cook, executive director gas & power, The Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies.

Jeroen van der Veer said: “The Qatargas 4 project will combine Shell’s global leadership in LNG with Qatar’s vision to become the world’s largest LNG supplier.”