Nakilat signs on for nine Q-Max LNG carriers

In a significant advancement for Qatar’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) transport capabilities, Qatar Gas Transport Co Ltd (Nakilat) has entered into a long-term agreement to charter and operate nine state-of-the-art Q-Max class LNG vessels.

This deal, signed as part of QatarEnergy’s extensive programme to augment its LNG carrier fleet, underscores a pivotal development in global energy shipping dynamics.

The contract was formalised at QatarEnergy’s headquarters in the presence of QatarEnergy president and chief executive Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, alongside Nakilat chief executive Abdullah bin Fadhalah Al-Sulaiti.

"We are very proud to have Qatar’s flagship LNG shipping and maritime champion join a list of world-class shipowners to operate our state-of-the-art QC-Max LNG vessels - the largest ever built. There is no doubt this is another testament to Nakilat’s significant capabilities," stated HE Minister Al-Kaabi during the ceremony.

This fleet expansion not only reflects the ongoing growth and strategic initiatives spearheaded by QatarEnergy but also Nakilat’s reinforced partnership in this historic project.

"We are proud of our partnership, and of being selected, once again, by QatarEnergy as a partner in its historic fleet expansion project. Through this partnership, we aim to enhance value in the LNG transport market as active enablers in meeting the requirements of the North Field expansion projects," commented Mr Al-Sulaiti.

He stressed the commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies and maintaining the highest standards of safety, environmental sustainability and operational reliability.

The new vessels, each with a capacity of 271,000 m³, will be owned and operated by Nakilat and chartered to QatarEnergy affiliates.

Constructed at the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyards in China, these vessels represent the pinnacle of modern shipbuilding, integrating advanced technological solutions to ensure efficient and eco-friendly operations.

This agreement follows closely on the heels of another recent arrangement wherein Nakilat secured the ownership and operations of 25 conventional-size LNG vessels from QatarEnergy.

With the inclusion of the nine Q-Max vessels, Nakilat’s fleet under QatarEnergy’s contracts will encompass 34 vessels, significantly enhancing its operational footprint in the global LNG market.

As Nakilat continues to expand its capabilities and align with QatarEnergy’s ambitious North Field Expansion, which aims to increase Qatar’s LNG production capacity significantly, the strategic foresight in bolstering its fleet with larger, more efficient vessels is clear.

These initiatives not only support Qatar’s position as a leading global LNG producer but also contribute to the broader goal of providing cleaner energy solutions worldwide.