The National Oil and Gas Authority (Noga) of  Bahrain and Shell International Gas and Power Limited on Monday signed an agreement to explore the feasibility of various gas initiatives in the Kingdom including LNG and pipeline gas import projects.

Under the terms of the MOU, the parties will jointly review a range of opportunities that support Bahrain’s growing gas requirements.

This includes both short-term gas supply solutions and potential longer-term strategic options for The Kingdom, including LNG and pipeline gas import projects, said a top official.

Dr. Abdul-Hussain Ali Mirza, Minister of Oil and Gas, said the Kingdom of Bahrain has embarked on an ambitious path of economic and social development that follows the visionary directives set by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the political leadership.

'To meet our strategic objectives, we believe the country will require important energy resources that include clean natural gas,' he noted.

'We welcome this agreement with Shell, a top player in the global energy business, and look forward to taking this agreement forward in the context of strong and effective partnership,' he added.

Martin Trachsel, vice president for Shell Gas and Power in the Middle East, said: ‘Shell is an industry leader in the global natural gas sector and is active throughout the Middle East. We are delighted that The National Oil and Gas Authority chose Shell as its partner.'

'We hope that together we can develop new activities in the Kingdom, help meet growing energy demand and, in turn, support continued economic growth,' he commented.

A joint steering committee comprising representatives from both organisations will be established to agree the scope of work for all activities under the MOU.-TradeArabia News Service