QatarEnergy Takes Delivery of LNG Carrier ‘Al Thumama’ as Part of World’s Largest LNG Fleet Expansion

QatarEnergy has officially taken delivery of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier Al Thumama, the first of three Q-Flex vessels commissioned for construction under its ambitious program to develop the world’s largest single-owner LNG fleet, comprising over 100 carriers.

With a capacity of 174,000 cubic meters, Al Thumama was delivered on May 16, 2025, by China LNG Shipping Co., approximately one month after its naming ceremony attended by members of the Asian Shipowner Alliance.

This vessel marks the first of 12 LNG carriers being built under a long-term charter agreement signed in 2022 between QatarEnergy and the Asian consortium. The second ship is expected to be delivered on July 30, 2025.

China LNG Shipping extended its gratitude to all project participants, including engineering teams, officers, crew members, Hudong Shipyard, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), local agents, and suppliers.

According to Japanese shipping firm NYK, Al Thumama is powered by an X-DF 2.1 dual-fuel engine featuring iCER (intelligent control by exhaust gas recycling) technology, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.