Russian oil company Rosneft has opened an office of the international center for research and development in Qatar.
Rosneft said on Thursday that the center would become a full-scale representative office of the company, performing scientific and technical activities as well as promoting various business areas of the company in the region.
The agreement to open the center was signed during the visit of Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin to Doha. The center is located at the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) which is a member of Qatar Foundation (QF).
QSTP is one of the world’s leading science incubators providing a unique economic environment for enterprises engaged in the development and implementation of new technologies, including those in the energy sector.
The company added that the R&D center would develop innovative solutions for the production of engineering plastics and gas processing, as well as the creation of new catalysts, polymers, and oils.
Studies in the field of integrated geological and engineering software and 3D designing and modeling in refining and petrochemistry will be key focus areas.
Cooperation will also be carried out in the field of shipbuilding, including the possibility of a joint project for the construction of ships and the creation of equipment at the Zvezda shipyard.
One of the areas of cooperation between Rosneft and the QF will be the joint financing of high-priority Russian and international research projects including the capability of venture funding. The partners will also collaborate in the field of oil and gas education with the aim of integrating the Russian and international scientific and educational schools.
Sechin said: “Today, Qatar is not only an important player in the Arabian Gulf market but also one of the leaders in the global oil and gas industry. The development of modern technologies in the fuel and energy sector has become a key driver in the socioeconomic successes of the country.
“Qatar has created a unique research center in which leading world companies and educational institutions operate, which creates grounds for a real breakthrough in the oil and gas science. […] the Qatar Science and Technology Park will be an ideal platform for joint research work in projects that envisage the implementation of advanced and innovative developments of Rosneft.”
Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani , vice chairperson and CEO of the Qatar Foundation, added: “We are delighted to sign this important agreement with Rosneft, and look forward to welcoming and working with researchers from the company to further develop areas of shared interest within the energy sector.”