GE Oil & Gas yesterday said its Downstream Technology Solutions (DTS) business had been awarded a 15-year technical development partnership agreement by Qatar Fertiliser Company (Qafco).
In this strategic agreement, DTS will bring GE Oil & Gas competencies to mark the first regional installation of its advanced ‘32 K Extendor Combustion System’ that will enable Qafco to strengthen the operational efficiency of its gas turbines. 
GE Oil & Gas will supply the parts for the project with the first installation set for 2017, while modification, repair and field services will be provided through Qatar-based experts.
GE Oil & Gas has an installed base of six FR6 gas turbines, some 31 centrifugal compressors, 16 steam turbines and 16 pumps across Qafco plants. The agreement will help in scaling-up the operational efficiency of the gas turbines, adding to improved plant operations and higher levels of productivity. 
Qafco chief executive officer Khalifa A al-Sowaidi said, “We seek advanced solutions and on-ground support to strengthen efficiency and optimise resource use across our plants. To achieve consistently high levels of productivity, it is important that we extend maintenance intervals through proven technology. 
GE Oil & Gas has been a long-term partner, and with the new solution that is implemented at Qafco for the first time in the region, we also gain from the localised expertise and support that GE brings.”
Rami Qasem, President & CEO, GE Oil & Gas for the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey, said: “Installing the first Extendor Combustion Supply kit in the region at Qafco demonstrates our commitment to deliver the best-in-class technology solution and underlines the long-term partnership between GE and Qafco, which extends for 40 years. The comprehensive upgrade, repairing and maintenance, led by our Qatar-based team, will support Qafco by significantly reducing the combustion component wear & tear of the turbines and increasing the meantime between maintenance.”
The new agreement builds on earlier long-term service contract signed between GE Oil & Gas DTS and Qafco to optimise the performance of its plant in Mesaieed last year, further underlining GE’s localisation commitment. 
Qatar is one of the important markets of GE in the Middle East region, where the company has been playing a key role in energy infrastructure development including power, water and oil & gas for nearly four decades. 
The Qatar Service Centre of GE Oil & Gas in Ras Laffan is a center of excellence that serves as a technology hub for the region.
Today, through three offices and over 300 employees, GE serves the energy, water technologies and healthcare businesses, which contribute to the overall economic and social growth of the country.