Oryx GTL_Magazine 170119

ISSUE 22/2019

Future Outlook Maritime

MARINE FUEL
COMPLIANCE AND
THE ROLE OF GAS TO
LIQUID FUELS

Health, Safety & Environmental Protection

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
REAP GREEN REWARDS

Human Capital

INNOVATING FROM WITHIN



CEO Foreword

It is my sincere pleasure to welcome you once again to ORYX GTL’s online
magazine, showcasing some of our company’s most significant achievements
and current focus areas.
Sustainable practices throughout our business - and specifically in the HSE
field - remain a priority at ORYX GTL, so it is appropriate that among the
many interesting and engaging topics, we feature an article that illustrates
how tangible results can be achieved through proper planning and execution
of strategic projects.
We take great pride in our focus on education as part of our Corporate Social
Responsibility drive and provide some practical examples, showcasing our work
with a broad range of educational institutions in Qatar in support of the Qatar
National Vision 2030 objectives.
We recognise the importance of innovation as an enabler for continuous
improvements in the processes, procedures and transactions of our business
for the benefit of internal and external stakeholders. Our innovation drive was
further enhanced with the implementation of Fekra, an idea management
system that allows our employees to submit ideas for evaluation and fast-track
implementation. More details are provided in the article on innovation.
Once again, our sincere thanks go out to all our employees and external
stakeholders for making ORYX GTL the choice - your ongoing efforts and
contributions towards our achievements have not gone unnoticed.
In the pages that follow, you will discover more about some of the programmes,
projects and initiatives that support ORYX GTL’s vision and mission and their
positive impact on social, economic and environmental sustainability.
We very much hope you enjoy the latest edition.

Thani T. Al Thani

CEO, ORYX GTL

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www.oryxgtl.com.qa

THE ARABIAN ORYX

A large, striking antelope, the Arabian oryx is a brilliant white animal with black accents on the face and
black legs. Native to desert and steppe areas of the Arabian Peninsula, these remarkable creatures crossed
over to the Arabian Peninsula at the time when Africa and the Middle East were still connected. Standing
at a meter high, weighing from 70 to 140 kilograms and sporting a pair of slim, upright horns that can
reach a length anywhere from 50 to 75 centimetres, Arabian oryx are well adapted to their desert habitat.
Their white colouration reflects the intense desert heat and sunlight, and they can erect their hair on cold
winter mornings to capture warmth to hold in their thick undercoats. Their legs also darken in the winter
to absorb more of the sun’s heat.
Sasol came from South Africa to the Arabian Peninsula to establish a groundbreaking joint venture with Qatar
Petroleum, named ORYX GTL, a successful project to monetize natural gas using innovative technology.
In the sands of the desert, the ORYX GTL plant was built, the largest slurry phase gas to liquid (GTL) plant
in the world. This persistence, resistance, endurance, stubbornness to excel and succeed made us proudly
link the name of our company to the name of this noble animal which became one of the traditional
Qatari symbols.

08

New Mission, Vision & Values

CSR: DRIVING
SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

In today’s dynamic, global marketplace, the ability
to assess and adapt to ever changing conditions is a
prerequisite for achieving sustainable growth. ORYX GTL’s
pursuit of this goal is predicated on precisely such an
approach, strategically centered around the key pillars of

environment, sustainability and innovation.

14

Health, Safety &
Environmental Protection

SUSTAINABLE
PRACTICES REAP
GREEN REWARDS

Tasked with the goal of achieving the correct balance
between economic development and environmental
protection, ORYX GTL places a high priority on
implementing sustainable practices throughout its
operations - its Treated Industrial Water programme
being just one of several standout examples.

CONTENTS
ISSUE 22/2019
FEATURES 22
30 Human Capital

INNOVATING
FROM WITHIN

The success of an organisation lies within.
Creative employees are the source of
innovation and commercial success – provide
them with a framework, and they will inspire
you.

Corporate Social
Responsibility

DRIVING
MEANINGFUL
CHANGE

Converting CSR into a strategic tool ensures
companies meet shareholders expectations
and contribute to social development.
ORYX GTL engages in social responsibility at
a tactical level with optimum results.

38

Future Outlook Maritime

MARINE FUEL COMPLIANCE
AND THE ROLE OF GAS TO
LIQUID FUELS

With the world facing up to the global challenge of improving air quality,
ORYX GTL looks at how gas to liquids can help propel transportation needs both
now and into the future. Specifically, ORYX GTL discusses the opportunities being

created by and within the maritime industry for cleaner fuels.

NEW MISSION, VISION & VALUES

CSR: DRIVING
SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

By Sinéad Mangan McHale

In today’s dynamic, global marketplace, the ability to assess
and adapt to ever changing conditions is a prerequisite for
achieving sustainable growth. ORYX GTL’s pursuit of this
goal is predicated on precisely such an approach, strategically
centered around the key pillars of environment, sustainability
and innovation.

10

11

NEW MISSION, VISION & VALUES

Fundamentally, a company’s value to Qatar’s natural resources In developing its vision,
mission statement is its applying innovative technology”
statement of purpose – it represents the strategic ORYX GTL set itself a
states its reason for existing. combination of environment,
Likewise, a vision statement is a sustainability and innovation - challenge - ‘We make
company’s forward-looking view reflecting the synergies between ORYX GTL the choice
– what it aspires to achieve in ORYX GTL’s shareholders, Qatar as one of the leading
future. Both are critical elements Petroleum and Sasol Middle East downstream companies
to guide decision making at every and India (SMEI), and supporting in Qatar’.
level of an organisation and act as the State of Qatar’s strategic
the foundation for establishing an plan for economic growth and
organisation’s strategic roadmap development. In developing
and objectives. its vision, ORYX GTL set itself a
ORYX GTL developed its mission challenge – ‘We make ORYX GTL
and vision to meet the above the choice as one of the leading
requirements, with these strategic downstream companies in Qatar’.
statements at the heart of how it It has developed this vision with
conducts its business. a view to meeting not only its
Despite being well positioned in commitments to its shareholders
a highly competitive industry; and its responsibilities within the
ORYX GTL has always been a context of the Qatar National
forward-thinking enterprise. From Vision 2030 (QNV2030), but to
2015 onwards, the company give its employees a tangible and
embarked on an annual review inspirationaltarget ofachievement.
of its strategic position to assess The vision provides clear direction
how it could continue to move for employee behaviour, integral
forward in pursuit of excellence. to the organisational culture.
The result was the adoption Taking a three-pronged approach,
of a new mission, vision and ORYX GTL is focusing on excelling
corporate values and a revised the current business, planning for
roadmap that is more focused the medium term and growing
on its competitive advantages. As in the long term. The company
part of its regular performance will continue to excel through its
reviews, the company regularly current products, GTL Diesel, GTL
measures its response against the Naphtha and Liquefied Petroleum
revised mission and vision, while Gas (LPG). Always forward
also evaluating its operations thinking, planning will take a
against the company’s corporate medium to long-term strategic
values of people, integrity, safety approach to identify and develop
and excellence. The company’s new business opportunities
refreshed strategic approach is and technologies and seek to
based on the value cycle of add specialised products to
ORYX GTL’s products as its ORYX GTL’s product range. And
framework to achieve value finally, the growth phase is to
growth and cost optimisation. ensure sustainable revenue
ORYX GTL’s revised mission to “Add to meet the shareholders’
expectations.

10

11

NEW MISSION, VISION & VALUES The combination of refreshed mission,
vision, values and corporate strategy
Integral to this refreshed strategy is already having a positive impact on
are the fundamental principles of corporate results.
value growth - through market
growth, product diversification • Annual total combined sales of GTL
and cost optimisation, and
ensuring that the company Diesel and GTL Naphtha of 11.28
remains competitive and cost million barrels.
effective without comprising on
safety or quality standards. • In December 2017, ORYX GTL
Translating principles of value
growth and cost optimisation shipped its largest GTL Diesel cargo
from paper into practical and
actionable steps can sometimes (52,971 metric tons).
be daunting. However, ORYX GTL
has taken a further step to allow • Highest ever annual production
the entire organisation to focus on
business excellence by developing volume of 11.40 million
a Business Excellence Framework. barrels, equal to an overall
The framework encourages
business groups to identify and plant utilisation rate of 96%.
implement value improvement The resulting plant availability
opportunities with short and
medium-term benefits to (excluding planned turnarounds) was
improve efficiency, effectiveness
and safety. Employees across all the highest ever achieved on an
functional units have contributed
to the Business Excellence annual basis.
Framework - with many value and
cost optimisation improvements • The lowest annual average
already successfully implemented. flaring since measurement started

in 2010.

12

Revising its strategic focus had no significant impact on its
enables ORYX GTL to adapt operations. ORYX GTL is confident
quickly and efficiently to meet that its fundamental philosophy
changing circumstances. It is a of continuous improvement
matter of pride for ORYX GTL, across its strategy, operations and
as with all Qatari companies, organisational culture will secure
that the economic and political its success in a dynamic and often
blockade imposed in June 2017 volatile market.

13

HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
REAP GREEN REWARDS

By Sinéad Mangan McHale

Tasked with the goal of achieving the correct balance between
economic development and environmental protection,
ORYX GTL places a high priority on implementing sustainable
practices throughout all of its operations - its Treated Industrial
Water programme being just one of several standout examples.

14

From the outset, ORYX GTL has direction of the Ministry of the
made safety one of its primary Municipality and Environment,
responsibilities; safety for its International Standards (ISO
employees, community and 14001), environmental
environment. Its mandate has best practices and with key
been to achieve commercial shareholders’ inputs and guidance
success through world-class HSE - to fulfil the requirements of
performance in all of its operations. ORYX GTL’s vision and values.
ORYX GTL has adopted best Moreover, to achieve a balance
practices in HSE by establishing a between successful economic
safety culture led by the executive performance and a sustainable
leadership team - underpinned approach to Qatar’s marine,
coastal and land environment,
by a consistently applied, fully ORYX GTL has established a set of
integrated risk management environmental key performance
system, which includes indicators linked to the company’s
strong processes and performance and reward system
procedures for hazard - measured and reported upon
identification and risk on a monthly basis.
mitigation.

The history of oil and
gas industry is certainly
replete with major global
incidents, many of which
have resulted in tragic loss
of life and immeasurable
long-term environmental
damage. As a globally aware,
responsible corporate citizen, ORYX GTL WASTE
ORYX GTL has taken heed of MAAPNPARGOEAMCEHNT
them, their causes and respective
The oil and gas industry impacts. Drawing upon lessons REDUCE
is fraught with risks and learned, the company has put
challenges, and industry robust measures in place to Changing behaviour
research consistently shows that mitigate related risks.
health, safety and environment REUSE
(HSE) issues remain at the top Recognising its people as its
of the risk agenda. ORYX GTL strongest asset, ORYX GTL has Reusing material
and other industry players have placed the health and safety of its
acknowledged these findings by employees at the forefront of its RECYCLE
pouring significant investment and priorities. At the same time, the
research into the development company is committed to protect Recycling and
of HSE standards and protocols. the environment in line with the reprocessing materials
Coupled with increased efforts goals set out in the Qatar National
to cultivate robust, integrated Vision 2030 (QNV2030). Its RECOVER
HSE organisational culture, these environmental policies and
steps are critical to the process of procedures are developed within Recovering energy
mitigating inherent business and the guidelines of the State of
operational risks. Qatar’s legislation under the LANDFILL

Targeting zero landfill

15

HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

SUSTAINABLE WASTE strategy is the goal of minimising purposes, recycling of items such
MANAGEMENT the impact of waste on Qatar’s as scrap metal, and used oil and
environment. Through the four- batteries, and recovery of metal
Of equal importance - within the pronged R principle, ORYX GTL has from spent catalysts. And, while
context of sustainable operational implemented a comprehensive ORYX GTL has taken additional
practice - is how a company approach to waste management, steps to target zero landfill in its
manages its waste. Traditionally, which includes amongst many waste management approach, its
companies operate the 3R initiatives; reduction of wastes by proactive approach to achieving
approach; reduce, reuse and proper segregation at source and zero water discharge to sea bears
recycle. Lately, forward-thinking by process optimisation, reuse closer examination.
companies have begun to employ of treated effluent for irrigation
a fourth R - recover. At the core of
ORYX GTL’s waste management

16

Taking a step back, ORYX GTL or used for external irrigation Treated Industrial Water (TIW)
is a leader in producing a high- purposes. Occupying one of the programme, ORYX GTL has
performance fuel that is more arid regions in the world, Qatar identified sustainable uses for
environmentally responsible than considers water to be a valuable its waste water, and while it is
its crude-oil derived counterparts. national resource. And, as a prohibited to use treated industrial
Gas-to-liquids fuel is sulphur- committed supporter of Qatar’s water to irrigate food crops, it can
free, burning more cleanly, long-term national strategy, be used for landscape irrigation
with virtually no airborne toxic ORYX GTL recognises the as sustainable practice. To that
components. Crucially, the GTL economic and environmental end, ORYX GTL has constructed
process generates vast amounts importance of managing waste an additional pipeline to connect
of process wastewater. At the water for reuse. with Ras Laffan Industrial City’s
ORYX GTL plant in Ras Laffan Accordingly, it has implemented existing landscaping irrigation
Industrial City (RLIC), the Fischer- an effective integrated water network, enabling 100%
Tropsch (FT) reactors produce management plan to reuse utilisation of treated water within
large volumes of water an hour, the treated water within its the industrial city and achieving
which is treated onsite and used facility. Under the company’s zero water discharge to sea. In
internally within the process addition to irrigation purposes.

17

HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

AT ORYX GTL, WE RECOGNISE WATER AS A VALUABLE
RESOURCE AND UNDERSTAND THAT THE MANAGEMENT OF
WASTE WATER IS PARTICULARLY RELEVANT TAKING INTO
ACCOUNT QATAR’S CLIMATE CONDITIONS. WITH WATER AS
A SIGNIFICANT ELEMENT IN OUR PRODUCTION PROCESS,
WE DEVELOPED AN ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY TO FOCUS
SPECIFICALLY ON SUSTAINABLE WATER PRACTICES. AS
A RESULT, THROUGH OUR TREATED INDUSTRIAL WATER
PROGRAMME, WE HAVE IMPLEMENTED AN EFFECTIVE
INTEGRATED WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN TO RECOVER AND
REUSE THE TREATED WATER WITHIN OUR FACILITIES AND IN
OUR WIDER INDUSTRIAL CITY

- Thani T. Al Thani

Chief Executive Officer, ORYX GTL
The landscaping irrigation network
project consisted of a 20km
pipeline with several road and
utility crossings, tie-ins to existing
infrastructure and interfaces with
other end-users within RLIC.
And, for an organisation with
the highest standards of health
and safety and with a safety
mandate of “beyond zero harm”,
it therefore comes as no surprise
that the 650,000 man-hours
project was completed with “zero”
rate of recordable injuries and four
months ahead of schedule. This
was despite the fact that project
implementation took place
during two summer seasons,
where temperatures can reach
over 27.50 Celsius. One of the
core outcomes of the TIW reuse
programme is the reduction in
onsite water consumption, which
indirectly decreases the energy
consumption required to generate
fresh water from seawater via
the energy-intensive process of
desalination.



HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN EMPLOYEES FEEDBACK
The Environment Section strives to increase Environmental Protection awareness amongst employees and their
family members, conducting various environmental initiatives and campaigns. To improve Environmental initiatives

performance, the Environment Section conducted feedback to all employees.

Under the QNV 2030’s the energy and industry sector ORYX GTL’s commitment to
environmental pillar, the State with targeting near-zero water sustainable practices and the
of Qatar aims to achieve a balance discharge to the sea to safeguard protection of Qatar’s environment
between development needs the country’s marine ecosystem. through its TIW programme
and environmental protection, ORYX GTL embraced the has provided Qatar with many
particularly in relation to programme, initiating an action environmental and cost-saving
implementing both preventive and plan in 2013, committing to advantages and further enhances
proactive measures to mitigate the achieving zero water discharge ORYX GTL’s reputation as a
adverse effects of pollution arising to the sea by 2017. Despite company of excellence.
from development activities. many challenges along the way,
As part of this approach, Qatar ORYX GTL is one of only a few
has implemented a significant Qatari companies to achieve zero
environmental project, requesting liquid discharge.



HUMAN CAPITAL

INNOVATING
FROM

WITHIN

By Sinéad Mangan McHale

22

The success of an organisation lies within. Creative employees
are the source of innovation and commercial success – provide
them with a framework, and they will inspire you.

Integral to ORYX GTL’s well-established culture of excellence is
the dedication and commitment of its workforce. It has long
been acknowledged that human capital is a company’s most
valuable asset - but for a forward-thinking company like ORYX GTL,
recognising that its employees are the foundation of its future is
an essential element of its culture and paramount to continued
success.
ORYX GTL has aligned its human capital framework to the principles
of the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV2030), the state’s long-
term strategic plan, positioning human development as one of its
core pillars in developing Qatar’s diversified economy. The State of
Qatar has identified people at the forefront of today’s innovation-
led, talent-driven, knowledge-based economy and ORYX GTL fully
supports this by consistently investing in developing and maintaining
a motivated, creative, and skilled workforce. ORYX GTL’s approach
directly corresponds with His Highness, The Emir of the state of Qatar,
Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani’s assertion, “We need diligence,
creativity, independent thinking and constructive initiatives”, made
in his July 21, 2017 address to the citizens and residents of Qatar.

QATAR UNIVERSITY CAREER FAIR

Career Fair, which runs yearly at Qatar University, affords national students
an excellent opportunity to meet with prospective employers in an
informal setting. For ORYX GTL, it represents an equally good opportunity
to identify and assess a range of candidates at the forefront of today’s
innovation-led, talent driven, knowledge-based economy.

HUMAN CAPITAL

While it is challenging to assign a win-win situation, not only do
monetary value for employees on they have access to a sustainable
a balance sheet, the significant source of innovative ideas, but they
tangible value is in their impact. are also engaging with their most
Motivated employees who are important internal stakeholders -
encouraged to be innovative and employees. Innovative employees,
creative can add considerable on the other hand, have salaried
worth to the bottom line. It positions and the ability to be
may be surprising to learn that creative without the fear of failure
some of the world’s most high impacting their salaries or careers.
profile and profitable products
such as Post-it notes and Velcro
were all created by employees,
working outside of their
normal job responsibilities. Over
recent years, forward-thinking
companies have developed formal
‘intrapreneurship” programmes
with unprecedented results.
It was through Facebook’s
Hackathons that one of the
social media behemoth’s most
important features, used by over
two billion of its users every day -
the ‘Like button’ - was conceived.
Whether accidental innovators or
aspiring creators, intrapreneurs are
invaluable. For companies it is a

24

Some of the world’s most
high profile and profitable
products such as Post-it notes
and Velcro were all created
by employees, working
outside of their normal job
responsibilities.

HUMAN CAPITAL

Employing talent is ORYX GTL will systematically budget or lead to an increase in
one thing: keeping it capture the creative ideas profit. Employees are required
productively innovative proposed by its workforce. The to present a business case for
and innovatively productive can goals of the programme are very their idea(s), linked to one of the
be challenging. Recognising clear; supporting the strategic strategic corporate objectives.
the significant intrinsic value in business objectives and improving Some of the most significant
the expertise, breadth of skills business efficiency. Fekra commercial successes have come
and innovation of its people, has been carefully crafted by from employees working outside
ORYX GTL recently launched its ORYX GTL’s management to of their normal daily job scope,
own intrapreneurship programme, enhance a culture that encourages therefore ORYX GTL is keen to
‘Fekra’. unconventional thinking in solving encourage employees to examine
Fekra is the Arabic word for problems and finding innovative every aspect of their activities to
idea. It embraces the notion ways to achieve goals. develop a set of diverse but specific
of empowering employees to performance-improving ideas.
become intrapreneurs, to look ORYX GTL has steered its With a team of subject matter
creatively at the big picture and, employees’ innovative efforts experts (SME) evaluating every
in ORYX GTL’s case, support its towards the development of proposal, technical and procedural
consistent drive for excellence proposals designed to improve aspects of each submission
and innovation. Launched in company performance in key areas are considered and assessed
April 2018, Fekra is an ‘Idea such as safety enhancement, cost to determine their applicability
Management system’, established saving, efficiency improvement, as within the designated parameters.
with the objective of encouraging well as employee satisfaction and As part of the comprehensive
employees to evaluate their development. Ideas submitted continuous programme, a multi-
daily activities and assess how within the Fekra system are disciplinary team - the Ideas
ORYX GTL performs, then evaluated against published Approval Team (IAT) - supported
develop new ideas to improve the criteria, which are as simple as by the respective SME champion,
performance of the company. possible - only requesting that review each proposal, approving
While recognising that commercial the ideas are original, applicable successful ideas for further
innovation arises mostly from and implementable within the development and eventual
free-thinking creativity, ORYX GTL organisation, contribute to cost implementation according to
wants to encourage innovation reduction within the assigned business priorities.
via a focussed and structured
approach. Through the Fekra
automated management system,

26

WE ARE CONFIDENT OF THE then the wisdom of such an
TECHNICAL SKILLS AND EXPERTISE approach becomes immediately
OF OUR PEOPLE AND WE KNOW apparent. Take Sony, for example
THAT THEIR IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE – up until the mid-1990s no
OF OUR BUSINESS, THE STRENGTH more than a peripheral figure in
OF THE RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR the video gaming industry, but
CUSTOMERS, SUPPLIERS AND catapulted to its very core through
CONTRACTORS AND THE COMMITMENT the introduction of PlayStation,
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS WILL FUEL A the world’s biggest selling console
WEALTH OF INNOVATIVE AND CREATIVE to date. Yet it could have been
IDEAS, PROPELLING OUR GROWTH an entirely different story had
AND PROVIDING US WITH A STRONG executive management not
COMPETITIVE EDGE TOWARDS OUR recognised and supported the idea
VISION of a relatively junior employee,
- Thani T. Al Thani whose inspiration - developed
Chief Executive Officer, ORYX GTL while playing on his daughter’s
gaming console - gave rise to the
Key to the success of Fekra is their normal work to explore other concept. Despite initial scepticism,
the forward thinking and vision of areas within the organisation. someone recognised the value
ORY X GTL’s executive Compare this approach to that in his design and supported
management team and its of other corporates whose its development. The lesson
willingness to allow the company’s fortunes have, quite literally, been is clear - management needs
employees to step away from transformed by intrapreneurship, to be open to innovation – no
matter how creative or seemingly
unrelated it may first appear.
ORYX GTL plans to not only
create an innovation and
performance-driven culture
within the company, but to
maintain it by developing an active

27

HUMAN CAPITAL

intrapreneurship communication And as part of its talent or strengthen any aspect of the
programme. Through a series of management programme, strategic objectives, recognition
training and awareness sessions, ORYX GTL recognises that and reward is impor tant.
communicating regular updates by implementing this Idea ORYX GTL has committed to
on the status of Fekra and management system, it is recognising all ideas approved by
the sharing of success stories, also providing a strong path the IAT and to provide awards for
ORYX GTL plans to maintain for career development and the best ideas. In addition, creativity
its employees’ exposure to growth. Research has shown that and innovation will be recognised in
innovation and stimulate their intrapreneurs tend to develop the annual performance review of
creativity, while simultaneously into executive leaders over contributing employees.
providing supportive mentorship time. During their careers they While still early days, Fekra has been
to its budding intrapreneurs. constantly and consistently drive received positively by employees,
As a relatively new organisation, their businesses forward, enabling who have actively participated
ORYX GTL has a robust millennial their promotion to senior positions in the programme by submitting,
workforce, particularly amongst and arming themselves with a evaluating and discussing ideas
its Qatari employees, affording comprehensive understanding of designed to improve company’s
it the advantage of a generation the companies for which they performance. By empowering its
work. As ORYX GTL intrapreneurs

Key to the success of
Fekra is the forward
thinking and vision of
ORYX GTL’s executive
management team
and its willingness to
allow the company’s
employees to ‘play
and experiment’ and
‘step away’ from
their normal work
to explore other
areas within the
organisation.

who are not only technically are working at solving problems, employees to be innovative and
astute but who have a genuine they are also fostering the growth creative in a safe environment,
interest in intrapreneurship. For of other talented intrapreneurs, ORYX GTL has unleashed innovation
ORYX GTL’s millennials, their while integrating processes for from dedicated, skilled employees
workplace provides an ideal the greater success of the entire who are committed to achieving
opportunity to stimulate their c o m p a n y. the company’s strategic objectives
creativity, and by leveraging For the drivers of innovation within and to support the overall growth
internal resources and a strong ORYX GTL who develop solutions to and economic development of the
corporate brand, they can make a market-driven problems and resolve State of Qatar.
significant impact at the start of barriers to increasing productivity
their careers.

29

FUTURE OUTLOOK MARITIME

MARINE FUEL
COMPLIANCE AND
THE ROLE OF GAS
TO LIQUID FUELS

By Susan Brownlow

With the world facing up to the global challenge
of improving air quality, in this edition, ORYX GTL
looks at how gas-to-liquid fuels can help propel
transportation needs both now and into the future
and specifically, the opportunities being created
by and within the maritime industry for cleaner
fuels.

FUTURE OUTLOOK MARITIME

In 2018 we find ourselves at
a turning point in the history
of our relationship with crude
oil-based fuels. In addition to the
already much speculated date
when the world will reach peak oil,
increasingly stringent legislation
to protect our environment and
health is gradually resulting in the
demise of crude derived fuels. As
an alternative next generation
fuel, Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) has
the capability to be a solution
to the environmental and health
concerns. From their world-class
industrial facilities in natural gas-
rich Qatar, ORYX GTL is well placed
to deliver on its vision to make
ORYX GTL the choice to enable a
cleaner future for transportation.

Studies have indicated that GTL Diesel can
reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions
and particulate matter – both known
to aggravate respiratory conditions -
by over a third and as much as 90%
respectively1, compared to traditional
diesel fuels. Cleaner emissions mean
better air quality.

GTL technology converts natural Colourless and odourless, GTL
gas into high quality fuels, oils Diesel is an all-year round ‘winter-
and lubricants and even personal grade’ fuel, improving cold starts in
and home care products that engines. It also has greater ignition
would otherwise be made from properties due to its higher cetane
crude oil. The benefit – for GTL number, so delivers improved power
Diesel in particular - is that it not and higher reliability than crude
only has comparatively better derived diesel – ultimately meaning
combustion properties when fewer breakdowns. As the feedstock
used in diesel engines, but it for the GTL process, i.e. natural gas,
contains insignificant levels of is also abundant, with new reserves
impurities and pollutants such as continually being developed, a
sulphur, aromatics, metals and plentiful supply will be available
nitrogen which are found in crude for decades to come. Added to
oil-based fuels. Free of these this, the fact that GTL Diesel can
contaminants, GTL Diesel is non- be treated in many instances as a
toxic and biodegradable, and is direct substitute – known as a ‘drop-
significantly less harmful to both in’ fuel - for crude derived diesel
the environment and to human fuels for on-road, off-road and sea
health. Studies have indicated that transportation without the need
GTL Diesel can reduce nitrogen for engine modifications, there is
poxairdtiecula(teNOmx)atteer m– isbsoiotnhs and a very compelling proposition for
known GTL Diesel as an alternative to
to aggravate respiratory conditions crude derived diesel fuel. It is easy
- by over a third and as much as to recognise the huge potential for
90% respectively1, compared to GTL Diesel as a clean transportation
traditional diesel fuels. Cleaner fuel source, particularly in highly
emissions mean better air quality. populated areas.

33

FUTURE OUTLOOK MARITIME

GTL Diesel also has the advantage that little investment is needed
that it is easier and more in infrastructure modifications2.
economically viable to transport A senior executive of one of
when compared to liquified the largest fuel distributors in
natural gas (LNG). GTL Diesel the United Kingdom succinctly
remains in a liquid state at or close remarked, that as GTL Diesel
to ambient conditions. LNG must is a drop-in fuel ‘every diesel
be be maintained at -160 0C to powered car is potentially a GTL
remain liquid and requires special car’, suggestng that there is a
containment. powerful case for retail GTL as a
solution to the demonisation of
TRANSPORTATION diesel engines3.
APPLICATIONS
In addition to the benefits in on-
The continued dependence on and off-road transportation, there
crude oil derived products for is a further opportunity in the
fuelling the transportation sector maritime transportation sector for
is felt by many countries to be GTL Diesel.
detrimental to the environment.
By offering a practical alternative GTL DIESEL IN THE
to crude derived diesel that helps MARITIME INDUSTRY
to improve air quality without
compromising efficiency, GTL The maritime industry plays a
Diesel has the potential to change very significant, if sometimes
the future of transportation fuel concealed role in the world’s
usage across the world. economy. While 90% of world
While many longer-term diesel trade, mainly undertaken by huge
transportation strategies at fleet sea-going vessels such as cargo
level might elect to focus on ships and crude tankers, is evident
engine modifications and even to most of us, there is a vast
carbon offsetting, GTL Diesel can maritime industry supporting their
be used in many circumstances efforts – from pilot boats and tugs
as a direct replacement for crude to barges, ferries and other small
derived diesel fuels in heavy- coastal vessels. However, with the
duty and light-duty engines increasing volume of maritime by the International Maritime
without the need for engine activity and rising levels of marine Organization (IMO) in 1973, and
modifications, new infrastructure emissions such as sulphur oxides later updated in 1978 after several
or vehicle investment. As a direct (SOx), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), severe tanker accidents. The
substitute to crude derived diesel, particulate matter (PM) and convention includes regulations
GTL Diesel is already available to cuaserbdontodipooxwideer(tChOe2s)efrvoemsstehlse, fuel aimed at preventing and reducing
make an immediate impact. the pollution at sea, including both
While supply of GTL Diesel from industry is under intense scrutiny accidental pollution and pollution
retail forecourts is limited, GTL by environmental authorities from routine operations.
Diesel fuelling for heavy goods globally. This convention has seen the
vehicles (HGVs) is starting to designation of special Emission
become available, with one of Marine pollution is regulated Control Areas (ECAs) where stricter
the primary benefits - apart from internationally and one of the controls on marine emissions
the environmental ones - being key international conventions have been put in place. These
for the prevention of pollution ECAs are generally designated in
at sea is MARPOL, adopted

34

densely populated areas close to
high levels of shipping.

A phased reduction of SOx
emissions in ECAs saw the
allowable amount of fuel sulphur
reduced from 1.5% to 1.0% in
July 2010, but further lowered to
0.1% by January 2015. Outside
of ECAs, the global limit of
sulphur-in-fuel was reduced to
3.5% in 2012 and will be further
reduced to 0.5% in 2020.

In terms of NcOoxm, abnusintieovnit,abJalenubayr-y
product of

35

FUTURE OUTLOOK MARITIME

2016 heralded the stringent IMO gas from the larger power plants.
Tier III emission limits for ships By comparison, addressing of
constructed after that date. emissions from maritime activity
These stricter environmental has been insufficient. Maritime
regulations are changing the movement still represents a
way the maritime industry large portion of local pollutant
views conventional fuels. Many inventories, specifically near
organisations are looking at coastal areas, with 70% of the
gradually abandoning the use of emissions being deposited within
polluting heavy fuel oils, in favour 400km of land4. In addition to the
of cleaner, more sustainable noxious gases being emitted from
fuels with lower sulphur content. the running engines of incoming
Movement towards natural gas and outgoing vessels, there is the
as a marine fuel continues to considerable added impact of
progress and conditions exist in pollution emitted from auxiliary
some regions to make a near- engines running idly to support the
term transition to GTL Diesel onboard electrical-based activity
feasible. of large vessels (from cargo ships
and crude tankers to cruise liners),
Although LNG is increasingly while they are docked in port. As
being used to propel larger cargo well as a potential drop-in fuel for
ships in order to help combat support boats and smaller coastal
emissions, an opportunity to use craft, GTL Diesel is also now a
GTL Diesel as a neat or blended serious contender as an alternative
fuel to power the many hundreds fuel for auxiliary engines of larger
of thousands of smaller support ships.
boats and coastal craft has also
been identified. The majority GTL fuel represents a pragmatic,
of these smaller vessels still real-world alternative to heavy
use reciprocating diesel engines to intermediate diesel fuels to
powered by intermediate or help improve air quality without
marine diesel fuel oils – otherwise compromising efficiency.
known as ‘bunker oil’, derived from
of crude oil. These fuels produce
high emissions, including CO2,
NOx, SOx, and PM.

Combustion of bunker oil generates
the same pollution components as
those emitted from road transport
vehicles, power plants and waste
incineration. However, most of
the sulphur is removed from
diesel for land-based transport
and SO2, NOx and PM are
effectively cleaned from the flue

36

CONCLUSION References:

The maritime industry is help improve air quality without 1 2017; International Chamber of
now taking its place in the compromising efficiency. With Shipping; London
emissions legislative queue, with an abundance of local natural
increasingly rigorous regulations gas, recent improvements in 2 Brian Worrall; June 19, 2017; How
being sanctioned to protect process technologies and state- can industry take action to improve
air quality in coastal areas near of-the art production facilities, air quality; Air Quality News
large conurbations. GTL Diesel ORYX GTL is well prepared
represents a pragmatic, real- to help meet the world’s fuel 3 Merril Boulton, 24 May 2017;
world alternative to heavy to challenges. Gas-to-liquid fuels could be
intermediate diesel fuels to answer to diesel woes, Forecourt
Trader Magazine

4 Heather Thomson, James J. Corbett,
James J. Winebrake; September
19, 2015; Natural gas as a marine
fuel; Elsevier; page 154

37

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)

DRIVING MEANINGFUL
CHANGE

By Sinéad Mangan McHale

Converting CSR into a strategic tool ensures companies
meet shareholders expectations and contribute to
social development. ORYX GTL engages in social
responsibility at a tactical level with optimum results.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)

40

ORYX GTL has cemented aligned its CSR strategy to match K e y to its success is the principle
its reputation as a global and support this vision by adding of collaboration, working closely
leader in the arena of value with social, human and with like-minded people and
corporate social responsibility environmental projects. organisations to pool resources
(CSR) through an intensive and skills, bringing maximum and
programme of sustained action. While some sceptics question the sustainable benefit. Over the
Significantly, the company does financial value of CSR, ORYX GTL years, ORYX GTL has established
not view its efforts in this area looks beyond the bottom line, strong partnerships to fulfil the
as merely ‘a nice thing to do’, but considering CSR as an ethical demands of its CSR strategy;
rather an essential component of responsibility to its stakeholders; human, social and environmental
its business strategy, intrinsic to shareholders, customers, development.
everyday business operations. employees and the community in ORYX GTL has a strong culture of
Moreover, as a Qatari company, which it lives and works. health and safety awareness in its
ORYX GTL is committed to its ORYX GTL’s CSR strategy is not operations, based on the belief
community, caring deeply about a series of events selected at that all injuries are preventable.
the wellbeing of its people and random. Indeed, ORYX GTL To this end, it is keen to extend
striving to be an active participant strives to participate in the most its philosophy to support the
in the state’s socio-economic sustainable and effective projects local community through
development. As a strong for the community - and feels targeted educational campaigns,
supporter of the Qatar National a sense of responsibility in doing particularly concerning road
Vision 2030 (QNV2030), the so. It is establishing a culture of safety and education by building
strategic roadmap to the Qatar respect; respecting ethical relationships with academia.
of the future, ORYX GTL has values, people, communities
and the natural environment.

As a Qatari company, ORYX GTL is
committed to Qatar, caring deeply about
the wellbeing of its people and striving
to be an active participant in the state’s
socio-economic development.

41

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)

And so, recognising the value of With over 1,000 visitors over the Holy Month of Ramadan and has
safety campaigns as a practical course of the campaign, ORYX GTL plans to bring the simulator to
means of informing and educating and its partners made a significant Qatari schools during September
people, ORYX GTL partnered with educational contribution to through November of 2018. The
Qatar’s Traffic Department and Qatar’s National Road Safety campaign for safety is ongoing, and
a local company ‘Engineering Strategy, an integral part of the ORYX GTL is driving the case for
Solutions’ to present an innovative QNV2030. ORYX GTL continued safe road behaviour and
road safety awareness campaign this safety campaign during the moving forward with the
in December 2017, during the
celebrations of Qatar’s National Day.

The safety awareness programme,
featuring a driving simulator, in
Qatar, based on global statistics
indicating teenage drivers are
high risk, targeted the 13 to 20
year age group. As an innovative
organisation, ORYX GTL was keen
to approach this technically savvy
audience with advanced training
devices and was proud to support
the use of the simulator, providing
real-life driving experiences.
Participants experienced driving
through a 3D virtual replica of
Doha, the capital of Qatar, facing
everyday driving challenges.
Hazards, such as speeding, other
vehicles braking suddenly, and
cars swerving were simulated.
Particular focus was placed on
the use of mobile phones when
driving, tailgating, use of seat
belts and reckless driving. In
addition to the simulator,
ORYX GTL led the campaign
with group discussions on various
aspects of road safety, followed
by one-to-one simulator training
to encourage and instil behavioural
change. It also introduced a fun,
competitive edge by challenging
individuals to compete for the
highest Driver Performance scores
in the simulators. This element
encouraged many participants to
return for several visits to improve
their scores and gain a certificate
and succeed in reinforcing the
safety message.

42

ORYX GTL ROAD SAFETY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
ORYX GTL was proud to partner with Qatar’s Traffic Department
and a local company ‘Engineering Solutions’ to present an
innovative road safety awareness campaign in December 2017.

43

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)

ORYX GTL road safety campaign
during 2018 and beyond,
with a long-term plan being
implemented.

As a supporter of QNV2030,
ORYX GTL recognizes that the
development of human capital
is critical to Qatar’s sustainable
growth and that education is a vital
lever to developing a knowledge-
based economy. Putting this into
action, ORYX GTL commits to
encouraging students at all levels
on a path of academic excellence.
In collaboration with local and
international education providers
in Qatar, ORYX GTL implements
a sustainable programme of
educational projects.

Awakening an interest in the hearts
and minds of young students
is undoubtedly rewarding and
ORYX GTL has taken deliberate
steps to include supporting and
mentoring students in secondary
education. ORYX GTL partners
with local schools to engage
with students, promote and
encourage academic excellence,
provide insight into the many
and diverse career opportunities
within Qatar and raise awareness
of career paths within range of disciplines. ORYX GTL performance among graduates,
ORYX GTL. Along with encourages students to continue as well as awarding the best
management, employee their learning so that they can students at the yearly CNA-Q
volunteers from ORYX GTL make their mark at national and awards ceremony.
share their experiences with international level, contributing to Among the 28 exemplary
students whose minds are still Qatar’s continued development. graduates, four students received
open to the endless educational One such institution is the an additional Distinguished
and career opportunities College of the North Atlantic– Graduate award from the company
that lie ahead of them. Qatar (CNA-Q), Qatar’s premier at the May 2018 ceremony.
technical college. Extending In recognising the outstanding
Second levels schools are not the its culture of operational efforts of one student from each
only educational institutions to excellence to the education field, of the college’s academic schools
benefit from ORYX GTL’s support. ORYX GTL proudly sponsors – Business Studies, Engineering
The company also invests in the an annual President’s Medal Technology, Health Sciences and
continued education of students Award ceremony, recognising and I n fo r m a t i o n Te c h n o l o g y,
completing degrees across a wide celebrating exceptional academic ORYX GTL is motivating

44

The top graduating students from College
of the North Atlantic - Qatar (CNA-Q)
were honored at the ORYX GTL President’s

Medal for Academic Excellence.

individuals who will play an into the business strategy and in itself
integral role in developing Qatar’s its project implementation, level accountable
diverse and sustainable economy. of involvement and monitoring. for its role in
These are the leaders of Qatar’s For a forward-thinking company supporting the people
future, and ORYX GTL is proud to like ORYX GTL, CSR is a principle of Qatar, its economy and
support individuals who will drive of ‘shared value’, engaging its environment to achieve a
meaningful change. in strategic corporate efforts sustainable and prosperous future
The concept of corporate social and brand enhancment, while for generations to come.
responsibility is not new; the simultaneously contributing
change is in how it is integrated to social development.
ORYX GTL is committed in holding

45