QatarEnergy names 1st carrier of its LNG expansion’s fleet ‘Rex Tillerson’

QatarEnergy has named the first LNG carrier to be delivered as part of its new LNG fleet expansion programme the ‘Rex Tillerson’, in recognition of the former chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corporation (ExxonMobil), who also served as the 69th US Secretary of State.
During his ten-year term as chairman and CEO of ExxonMobil, Tillerson oversaw the consolidation of relations with Qatar and its energy sector, resulting in strategic partnerships and significant investments in Qatar’s LNG industry. While making his mark on the global energy scene, he concurrently assumed a pivotal role in both initiating and overseeing the implementation of landmark energy projects in Qatar.
The ‘Rex Tillerson’ is expected to be put in service in September 2024 and is currently under construction at the Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard in China as part of a 12-ship construction programme that makes up the first batch of orders from China in QatarEnergy’s massive LNG shipbuilding programme.
QatarEnergy’s new fleet will be equipped with the latest maritime technology ensuring optimal operational efficiency and compliance with the most stringent environmental regulations, thus reflecting QatarEnergy’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi said: “This announcement is a testament to the remarkable achievements of an exceptional energy visionary, a man whose legacy will continue to be felt in Qatar for decades.
“As a result of Rex’s leadership, a long and fruitful strategic partnership that flourished from one of the oldest Qatari relationships with international oil companies, prospered and developed even further. For that, it is our honour to name the first LNG carrier built as part of our new fleet in his name, a tribute to his life-long accomplishments and a symbol of a special relationship.”
Tillerson said, “I am deeply honoured that QatarEnergy is recognising my long history with the development of Qatar’s natural gas resources and the country’s establishment as the leading supplier of liquefied natural gas to fuel economies around the world. It has been very gratifying to be a part of this success story.
Under Tillerson’s leadership, ExxonMobil’s partnerships in Qatar covered a wide spectrum of landmark projects, such as the Qatargas 2 and RasGas 3 mega-LNG trains, the Al Khaleej and Barzan Gas Projects, the Helium 1 and 2 projects, the Laffan Condensate Refinery, and the South Hook (UK), Adriatic (Italy) and Golden Pass (US) LNG terminals.
One notable achievement between QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil during Tillerson’s tenure was the development of the industry’s largest-class LNG carriers, namely Q-Max (265,000 cubic metres) and Q-Flex (210,000 cubic metres).
Tillerson’s strong leadership skills empowered him to effectively lead a global company of 75,000 employees across the globe and to manage daily relations with governments and business leaders around the world.
Born in 1952 in Wichita Falls in the State of Texas, Tillerson holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Texas in Austin. He began his career with Exxon in 1975 as a civil engineer and by 1989 he became general manager of the Exxon USA central production division.
In 1995, he became president of Exxon Yemen Inc and Esso Exploration and Production Khorat Inc. In 1998, he became vice-president of Exxon Ventures (CIS) Inc and president of Exxon Neftegas Limited.
Tillerson was named senior vice-president of Exxon Mobil Corporation in August 2001 and was elected in 2004 as president of the corporation and member of the board of directors. In 2006, Tillerson was elected chair and chief executive of ExxonMobil. He retired from ExxonMobil in January 2017, the day he moved into the world of global diplomacy as the 69th US Secretary of State.