ExxonMobil Research Qatar

Along with its local and international partners, EMRQ continues to work to provide the scientific research needed to develop key technologies that will benefit the oil and gas industry in Qatar and around the world, so that it functions in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

EMRQ milestones:

• 2009: EMRQ launched its first project, focusing on the marine environment of the Qatari coastline. EMRQ also began a comprehensive, multiyear research program to investigate the potential effects from the seawater used at Ras Laffan and returned to the Gulf Sea. 
• 2010: Qatar University (QU) and EMRQ signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further academic excellence through human capital investment, innovative technology and research and development. 
• 2011: EMRQ and Nakilat entered a partnership to develop a prototype 3D training simulator for the reliquefaction plant onboard the Q-Max liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier Mozah. EMRQ also partnered with RasGas to develop a 3D immersive training simulator for the RasGas AKG-II facility.
• 2012: EMRQ announced two new technology advancements developed to enhance safety and environmental performance associated with LNG production and transport: a remote gas detection system, which allows for earlier identification of gas emissions, averting potential safety hazards and reducing emissions; and an advanced, immersive 3D visualization environment that simulates actual work scenarios, increasing training effectiveness and improving job safety.
• 2012: QU and EMRQ announced a 12-month study as part of the water reuse research program to develop technologies that will utilize industrial water in ways that are beneficial to Qatar.
• 2013: EMRQ partnered with RasGas to pilot the single sensor version of the IntelliRed™ remote gas detection system at Ras Laffan, a first of its kind in the Middle East. EMRQ also partnered with Qatar Petroleum Research and Technology Center to test multi-user functionalities in 3D immersive environments.
• 2014: EMRQ, QU and Texas A&M at Galveston signed a tri-party agreement, with support from the Private Engineering Office and the Ministry of Environment, to further environmental research and marine mammal initiatives in order to address the issue of preservation of dugongs.
• 2015: EMRQ signed memorandums of understanding with the Ministry of Municipal and Urban Planning, to provide technical support and scientific data for the ministry’s Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan project; and with the General Directorate of Natural Reserves Private Engineering Office, officiating their collaborative research to protect Qatar’s ecology.
• 2015: ExxonMobil awarded global commercial licenses for an improved version of the innovative IntelliRed™ remote gas detection system to co-developer Providence Photonics; and for the Immersive 3D Operator Training Simulator technology to co-developer EON Reality Inc.  
• 2015: EMRQ and QU signed an agreement to launch the Qatar University ExxonMobil Research Scholars Program.