Baku:Doha Qatar Gas Transport Company Limited (Nakilat) has announced the naming of nine new vessels at the shipyards of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, and HD Hyundai Samho in South Korea. This development marks a significant milestone in Nakilat's strategy to expand and diversify its fleet, enhancing its operational capabilities and supporting sustainable business growth.

According to Qatar News Agency, the newly named vessels include seven LNG carriers— "Al Ghuwair", "Al Jazi", "Al Mirzam", "Maqdeem", "Al Nasraniya", "Energy Vigour", and "Energy Voyager"—along with two LPG/ammonia carriers, "Energy South" and "Energy East." Five of these LNG carriers are part of Nakilat's plan to build 25 conventional-size LNG carriers at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean, which will be fully owned and operated by Nakilat and chartered to QatarEnergy affiliates under long-term agreements.

The remaining two LNG carriers and the two LPG/ammonia carriers are part of a six-vessel newbuild program at HD Hyundai Samho. Nakilat CEO Eng. Abdullah Al Sulaiti commented on the milestone, highlighting the partnership with QatarEnergy, which aims to deliver added value to the LNG transportation market and meet the requirements of the North Field expansion projects. He emphasized that this progress strengthens Nakilat's LNG transportation capabilities and diversifies its fleet with LPG/ammonia carriers, enhancing the company's ability to meet evolving customer needs while supporting Qatar's position as a leading LNG producer and exporter.

Al Sulaiti also expressed appreciation for the partnerships with the South Korean shipyards, acknowledging their role in maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and operational excellence while delivering the newbuild programs. The LNG carriers are designed to ensure efficient and reliable transportation of LNG from Qatar to global markets, while the LPG/ammonia carriers will expand the company's service offerings and support its fleet diversification strategy.