"Nakilat" Begins Construction of 8 New LNG Carriers as Part of Fleet Expansion

Qatar Gas Transport Company Limited (Nakilat) celebrated the commencement of construction for eight new liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers at the Hanwha Ocean shipyard in South Korea. This expansion aims to meet the future maritime transportation needs of Qatar’s LNG sector.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials from Nakilat and Hanwha Ocean, along with representatives from international financial institutions. The event marked the official start of manufacturing for these advanced carriers, each with a capacity of 174,000 cubic meters. The vessels will be fully owned by Nakilat and leased to QatarEnergy subsidiaries under long-term charter agreements.

Engineer Abdullah Al-Sulaiti, CEO of Nakilat, emphasized that the launch of construction reflects the company’s commitment to supporting Qatar’s vision by developing a world-class LNG fleet. He highlighted that the new carriers are equipped with cutting-edge technologies, ensuring enhanced operational efficiency, reliability, and compliance with global environmental standards.

This project is part of the agreements signed between Nakilat and QatarEnergy in February 2024, covering the leasing and operation of 25 conventional-size LNG carriers. These agreements further solidify Nakilat’s position as a global leader in LNG shipping.

The new carriers boast innovative designs and advanced technologies that ensure the highest standards of safety and operational excellence while promoting environmental sustainability. This milestone strengthens Nakilat's capability to meet the growing demand for LNG transportation and reinforces its leadership in the sector.