QatarEnergy's LNG fleet expansion moves forward as Hanwha begins shipbuilding

Hanwha Ocean, a leading South Korean shipbuilder, has commenced construction on eight new liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers as part of QatarEnergy's ambitious LNG fleet expansion project. A steel-cutting ceremony was held to mark the official start of the construction phase, with senior officials from Nakilat, Hanwha Ocean, and international financial institutions in attendance.

The vessels, each with a capacity of 174,000 cubic meters, will be owned and operated by Nakilat, Qatar's premier shipping and maritime company. This milestone is part of a broader agreement between Nakilat and QatarEnergy, finalized in March 2024, under which the carriers will be chartered to QatarEnergy affiliates on long-term contracts.

QatarEnergy's fleet expansion continues at pace, with a September 2024 order for six additional vessels from China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), bringing the total number of new LNG carriers to 128.