DOHA, Qatar -- RasGas Company Limited (RasGas) today inaugurated a new research agreement with Texas A&M University at Qatar for a research project titled  "Advanced Designs for Wireline Tool Conveyance." The project will study ways to improve designs for devices used to log oil and gas wells during the drilling process.

Officials say the signing expands longstanding cooperation between Texas A&M at Qatar and RasGas, and it reflects RasGas' commitment to fund and support technology research with Texas A&M at Qatar as part of the terms of an existing memorandum of understanding signed in 2006.

Under the terms of the new agreement, the research project will be carried out at Texas A&M at Qatar facilities in Doha and at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, USA. The research project aims to investigate and create new technologies not yet addressed by the oil and gas industry in order to improve the overall efficiency of wireline tool operations in Qatar's North Field. It will be divided into two phases; phase 2 is due to start in 2009.

Mr. Hamad Rashid Al Mohannadi, RasGas managing director (CEO) and Dr. Mark Weichold, dean and CEO of Texas A&M at Qatar, inaugurated the agreement on behalf of RasGas and the University. The inauguration ceremony was held at the Texas A&M Engineering Building in Education City. Senior management from both parties and as well as Texas A&M at Qatar faculty and students were present at the ceremony.

In remarks during the ceremony, Al Mohannadi commented on the significance of the signing: "I am delighted that by sponsoring this research project titled 'Advanced Designs for Wireline Tool Conveyance in Highly Rugose Open Hole,' RasGas has been given the opportunity to once again share valuable skills and experiences, and give students at Texas A&M at Qatar opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills. This is a key element in the long-term vision to ensuring the development of our country."

Weichold lauded the University's collaborations with RasGas. "We are excited to start another research project with RasGas," Weichold said. "Texas A&M at Qatar counts RasGas as an important strategic partner, and we are always eager to work together on research that benefits industry in Qatar."

In September 2007, RasGas and Texas A&M at Qatar signed a research agreement to investigate wireless communications systems for drilling wells. Both projects are being conducted by faculty researchers in the Electrical Engineering Program at Texas A&M at Qatar. "This project expands our capacity for contributing to the oil and gas industries of Qatar," Weichold said. "It also represents the rich diversity and potential of all of our engineering research programs."