May 09, 2024 [Storage Terminals Magazine]- QatarEnergy has signed a long-term agreement with Qatar Gas Transport Company Limited (Nakilat) for the ownership and operation of nine “QC-Max” class LNG vessels, the largest ever built. The agreement, signed by his excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the minister of state for energy affairs and the president and CEO of QatarEnergy, and Mr. Abdullah Al-Sulaiti, the CEO of Nakilat, was celebrated at a special ceremony held at QatarEnergy’s headquarters in Doha. Senior executives from QatarEnergy, QatarEnergy LNG, and Nakilat were in attendance.

The nine QC-Max vessels, each with a capacity of 271,000 cubic metres, constitute half of the 18 advanced QC-Max class LNG vessels to be constructed at China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard. QatarEnergy’s fleet expansion programme now includes shipbuilding contracts and time charter agreements for 104 conventional LNG vessels and 18 QC-Max class LNG vessels, totaling 122 ultra-modern vessels. The first new ship is expected to be delivered by the end of the third quarter of this year.

His excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi expressed pride in having Qatar’s flagship LNG shipping and maritime champion join a list of world-class shipowners operating QC-Max LNG vessels. He emphasised Nakilat’s significant capabilities and QatarEnergy’s confidence in Nakilat and selected international shipowners to operate the fleet to the highest safety, technical, and environmental standards.

Today’s agreement follows Nakilat’s selection in February as the owner and operator of 25 conventional-size LNG vessels. It also follows the signing of similar agreements in Beijing with three Chinese ship owners for the operation of nine new QC-Max class LNG vessels. These developments are part of QatarEnergy’s historic LNG fleet expansion programme, catering to its future requirements as it expands its LNG production capacity from the North Field to 142 million tonnes per annum by 2030.

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