The joint research and development agreement was signed last week by QP chairman and Qatari Energy and Industry Minister Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Sada.

"Qatar is constantly working to facilitate the optimum development of its hydrocarbon resources and this agreement is another step in that direction," he said.

"Developing more efficient technologies to remove contaminants from natural gas will help boost Qatar's reputation as a safe, reliable supplier of natural gas as well as high-quality products."

Honeywell gas processing subsidiary UOP president and CEO Dr Rajeev Gautam said QP was a recognised LNG production leader.

"We look forward to extending our long-standing partnership to develop technology in this important field," he said.

QP subsidiaries Qatargas and RasGas have combined LNG production capacity of 77 million tonnes per annum - making Qatar the world's biggest LNG exporter.