Arup Hires LNG Developer Mortimer

Engineering firm Ove Arup has appointed LNG specialist Richard Mortimer to run its east Asian business, it said August 16 in a statement. Mortimer "brings more than 28 years’ experience developing major projects around the world including the synfuels complex built in South Africa for PetroSA, the Santos GLNG project in Australia, and the Mozambique Gas Development Project for Anadarko.

"Based in Hong Kong, Mortimer's focus will be on the development of LNG liquefaction, regasification and storage facilities around the world. Richard will join Arup’s multidisciplinary teams to deliver value and reduce risk across the life-cycle of an LNG project, including feasibility studies; investment advisory; pre and front end engineering designs; construction and operation."

Peter Thompson, east Asia energy leader at Arup said, “We’ve experienced considerable success, particularly in the last 12 months in East Asia. We are seeing significant interest in onshore LNG receiving terminals, Floating Storage Regasification Unit’s (FSRU’s) and associated onshore infrastructure. As populations develop and economies strengthen, soaring energy demands means that smooth supply is needed. Richard’s wealth of experience will form a key part of our LNG business to meet this continuous growth.”

Anadarko's project remains undecided, and Mortimer's move might reflect the shift from a seller's marker to a buyer's market. There is growing interest particularly in Asia in buying cheap LNG for gas to power projects, than there is in producing gas for liquefaction and exporting it, in a competitive market.

The announcement by Qatar that it could bring its export capacity to 100mn mt/yr would have given cause for concern to sponsors of other projects that have not taken their final investment decision.

William Powell