The venture was officially signed on the dotted line in Tokyo on the 8th June 2013, with commissioning expected for November (2013). The signing ceremony (pictured) for the joint venture agreement was held under the attendance of the heads of the three companies and executive management of the Shareholders. Iwatani is the first Asian Company which has acquired the right to purchase liquid helium directly from Qatar with the commissioning of the new Helium Ⅱ Project. The liquid helium is extracted from the associated gas through the process of LNG production in one of the world’s largest LNG plants in Qatar.
The venture, named Gulf Helium Services, the shareholdings include Buzwair Gases at 51%, Iwatani Corporation at 25%, and LNG Japan at 24%. It represents the first helium transfilling operation in Qatar, and will be a significant expansion of helium value-added technology business for the State of Qatar. The newly formed company will be focused on leading-edge technology, gas handling efficiencies for ultra-high purity helium (99.9999%), up to 300 bar filling pressure, and regional product security. For Iwatani, it is hoped that the venture will ensure a stable supply of helium to ensure its customers’ worldwide demand is met. For Buzwair, a long established provider of industrial, specialty and medical gases in Qatar, the venture represents a further important step in its focused and niched expansion strategy in the region, developing specialized products and services coupled to international operating standards. Buzwair also believes this partnership complements the Vision 2030 of Qatar, targeting a stimulating business climate capable of attracting foreign funds and technologies and of encouraging national investments. The new facility will also be fully equipped to carry out ISO container inspection and certified maintenance and repairs.
” Safeguarding your invaluable assets with utmost care to preserve their value, extend its life and ensure their reliability “
Gulf Helium Services
The new helium transfil facility is located at the West Side Support Services Area Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar, around 15km from the Qatar Helium 2 Plant.
The facility consists of Three main divisions:
- Liquid and gaseous helium transfilling
- Liquid helium ISO container transportation
- Liquid helium ISO container maintenance
