Linde Gases, a division of The Linde Group, shipped the first container from its newest helium source, Helium II, operated by Ras Gas at the Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar, the company said July 8. Linde has secured long-term rights to 30 percent of the output from this helium source.
Helium is critical to the manufacture and operation of MRI scanners as well as the manufacture of semiconductors, LCD screens and fiber optic cable.
“Due to its unique properties, relative scarcity and global supply chain, helium is one of only a few industrial gases with a truly global market,” said Steve Penn, global head of merchant and packaged gases, Linde Gases Division. “We have therefore strengthened our supply base in Qatar building on our long-term commitment with the first plant there in 2005. Helium II further reinforces Linde’s position as having the most diverse helium sourcing portfolio in the industry, including sources in Algeria, Australia and the U.S.”
Linde plans to invest more than 35 million euros in new containers to supply the additional helium from Helium II and its expanded source in Skikda, Algeria. Linde is also expanding its transfill and container staging facility in the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai to accommodate the growth.
For more information, visit www.linde.com.
