QatarEnergy to maintain leadership in global LNG market with historic fleet expansion

QatarEnergy’s historic LNG fleet expansion programme will help the energy major maintain its leadership position in the global LNG market.

Recently, QatarEnergy signed an agreement with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) for the construction of six additional state-of-the-art QC-Max vessels, bringing the total number of LNG vessels on order under its fleet expansion programme to 128, including 24 QC-Max mega vessels.

The QC-Max vessels, which will be built at China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard, a wholly-owned CSSC subsidiary, are the largest LNG vessels ever built with a capacity of 271,000 cubic metres each. The new advanced carriers are scheduled to be delivered between 2028 and 2031.

The new ship order is a testament to QatarEnergy’s focus on quality and reliability. The six new advanced vessels are in addition to 18 QC-Max vessels recently ordered from Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard.

This brings the total number of QC-Max vessels ordered by QatarEnergy to 24, with a total value of about $8bn.

The QC-Max vessels, designed with cutting-edge technology, will enhance QatarEnergy’s capacity to meet the growing global LNG demand while reinforcing its dedication to operational excellence and environmental sustainability.

HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad bin Sherdia al-Kaabi said, “The signing of the agreement is underscored by the strategic importance of QatarEnergy’s historic LNG fleet expansion programme and its commitment to maintaining a leadership position in the global LNG market.”

Minister al-Kaabi added, "We are very pleased to expand our excellent working relationship with CSSC and Hudong-Zhonghua, one of the world’s premier shipbuilders. We look forward to receiving these advanced LNG vessels and expanding our role in providing the world with the cleaner energy needed for a realistic and practical energy transition.”

Recently, QatarEnergy named two of the 12 conventional-size LNG vessels contracted with the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard- 'Rex Tillerson' and 'Umm Ghuwailina'.

All these vessels will be equipped with the latest maritime technology, ensuring optimal operational efficiency and compliance with the most stringent environmental regulations reflecting QatarEnergy’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

The two vessels, set to be delivered ahead of their contracted delivery schedule, are under long-term charter by QatarEnergy Trading (QET).

With the highest and most advanced safety, technical, and environmental standards, the vessels are equipped with state-of-the-art dual-fuel engines, generators, and boilers to further reduce both fuel consumption and emissions.