https://www.ecns.cn/cns-wire/2024-12-06/detail-ihekqrkk1643278.shtml

China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co. Ltd. achieved a significant milestone with the delivery of the LNG carrier HLAITAN to QatarEnergy on Changxing Island, Shanghai, on 06 December. The vessel is the third of its kind delivered this year and marks the company's seventh LNG vessel delivery in 2024, setting a new annual record.

 The HLAITAN, featuring a payload capacity of 174,000 cubic meters, measures 299 meters in length, 46.4 meters in width, and 26.25 meters in depth. It is certified by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the China Classification Society (CCS). Designed with a cutting-edge twin-skeg hull and equipped with low-carbon and digital technologies, the carrier exemplifies advancements in sustainable maritime engineering.

Hudong-Zhonghua secured 36 orders from QatarEnergy in 2024, encompassing 24 ultra-large LNG carriers (271,000 cubic meters) and 12 large LNG vessels (174,000 cubic meters), solidifying its leadership in contract value and total payload capacity.

Since September 12, the company has delivered three LNG carriers to QatarEnergy in under three months. The HLAITAN will commence operations on December 11, while another large LNG carrier is slated for launch before the year concludes.

Image credit: QatarEnergy.

In a significant advancement of its fleet expansion program, QatarEnergy has formalized an agreement with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) to construct six additional QC-Max LNG vessels. This latest contract, signed with CSSC's wholly-owned Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard, will augment QatarEnergy's current order book, which now comprises 128 LNG vessels, including 24 of the QC-Max class.

The QC-Max vessels, the largest LNG carriers ever constructed, each possess a capacity of 271,000 cubic meters. The new vessels are slated for delivery between 2028 and 2031. This move aligns with QatarEnergy’s strategy to enhance its shipping capabilities and meet growing global demand for liquefied natural gas.

The partnership with CSSC reinforces QatarEnergy’s commitment to technological advancement and excellence in maritime logistics, positioning the company at the forefront of the LNG industry’s expansion. The addition of these state-of-the-art carriers underscores QatarEnergy's strategic focus on strengthening its fleet with cutting-edge technology and increased capacity.

https://splash247.com/shipowners-selected-for-19-qatarenergy-lng-newbuilds/

Shipowners selected for 19 QatarEnergy LNG newbuilds - Splash247

QatarEnergy has solidified its ambitious LNG shipbuilding initiative, confirming contracts with Asian shipowners for 19 newbuilds to be constructed in South Korea. The state-owned LNG powerhouse has secured long-term charter agreements for six 174,000 cu m vessels from China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES) LNG Carrier Investment, another six from Shandong Marine Energy, and three from Malaysia’s MISC, all to be built by Samsung Heavy Industries. Additionally, four newbuilds will be operated by the Japanese/South Korean joint venture between K Line and Hyundai Glovis, constructed at Hanwha Ocean.

This program represents the largest LNG shipbuilding venture in the industry's history, supporting Qatar’s expanded LNG production from the North Field and Golden Pass in the US, while addressing long-term fleet replacement needs. The first phase involved contracting 60 ships at Korean and Chinese shipyards, while the second phase, initiated in September last year, saw deals worth nearly $4bn with South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for 17 LNG carriers. The recent signings mark the culmination of the conventional-sized vessel segment of the program, with plans for supersize LNG carriers, known as Q-Maxes, on the horizon. QatarEnergy's CEO, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, emphasized the meticulous shipowner selection process, underscoring the company's commitment to expanding its modern LNG carrier fleet collaboratively and transparently.

https://www.offshore-energy.biz/qatarenergy-places-3-9-billion-order-for-17-lng-carriers-at-korean-shipyard/

Group 5

QatarEnergy has signed an agreement with South Korean shipyard HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for the construction of 17 LNG carriers.