GTL.F1 Opens Licensing Phase

GTL.F1 was established in 2005, combining the three partners’ Statoil (Norway), PetroSA (South Africa) and Lurgi (Germany) expertise to develop and commercialise the Fischer – Tropsch (F-T) technology as part of a Gas-To-Liquids technology offering. Through these joint activities, GTL.F1 has acquired all technology IP , know how and engineering expertise for the licensing of large scale plants including GTL.F1´s proprietary F-T technology. Lurgi, a member of the Air Liquide Group, acts as operator and engineering partner of GTL.F1 and PetroSA will provide the operating experience and reference plant. An engineering contract for an F-T plant is under execution and various commercial proposals are being negotiated.

The technology development phase, mainly in the laboratories of Statoil in Norway and the semi-commercial demonstration at Petro SA ´s Mossel Bay Refinery, South Africa, has now come to a successful conclusion. The
technology has progressed and developed to the point, where a new phase directed at licensing, engineering and commercial operation has started. The joint partners in the cooperative venture company, GTL.F1; PetroSA, Lurgi and Statoil, cordially announce that the latter firm will now withdraw from the ownership and management of the company.

Statoil has played a pivotal role in developing GTL.F1's technology but, being primarily a user of technology in its own operations, does not see licensing of GTL technology as part of its core business. GTL.F1 has thus progressed and  developed to the point where Statoil’s further partnership is no longer essential for continuing success. Statoil will have access to the GTL.F1 technology on a preferential commercial basis.