Craig International expands Middle Eastern footprint with QatarEnergy LNG contract

(WO) – Craig International’s rapid growth in the Middle East has been underpinned by a recent contract win with QatarEnergy LNG, formerly Qatargas.

Under the scope of the contract, Craig International will source and supply products and services for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO).

The three-year contract, which has a two-year extension option, will be delivered by Craig International’s Qatar office, where the firm now employs 45 people, and is supported by the company’s headquarters in Aberdeen.

The firm’s team of procurement specialists will work alongside QatarEnergy LNG’s end users and technical authorities to ensure seamless sourcing and delivery to sites across Qatar.

A commitment to local content is key to Craig International’s strategy for international growth. The firm recently achieved accreditation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar In-country Valuation (ICV) programs, which aim to promote diversification through developing and supporting the local supply chain and economy.

Craig International’s director of Middle East operations, Steve Gibson, said, “Our dedicated and professional team in Qatar continues to push the boundaries in driving efficiencies in our customer’s procurement processes.

“We are thrilled to extend our contract with such a major brand in the region and we are looking forward to building and nurturing a mutually beneficial relationship with QatarEnergy LNG.

“Having increased our headcount in the Middle East, from five in 2018 to over 70 today and expanded our supply chain, we’re demonstrating our commitment to the local market and are well-placed to meet the increasing demand for smart, efficient, and sustainable procurement.”

“With an increasing focus on the energy transition in the region, there are significant opportunities for our sustainable, digital procurement offering in both the oil and gas and renewables sectors.”

Craig International, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, first entered the Middle East market in 2015 when it opened offices in Dubai and Qatar following the award of a five-year multi-million-pound contract with Shell Qatar.

Steve McHardy, joint managing director of Craig International, added, “Our Middle East business has been growing rapidly and now accounts for 35% of group turnover.”

“With our 25-plus years of experience in providing out-sourced procurement that delivers major efficiencies, from our ten global bases, we’re truly committed to working with the energy industry to streamline procurement and reduce its environmental footprint.”