Ulsan: The first two new-generation Q-Flex LNG carriers will be named in South Korea at the beginning of next week, in what OSG president and ceo Morten Arntzen (pictured) says will be "a momentous occasion" for his company. The vessels form part a series of four sisterships to be delivered to OSG Nakilat, the joint venture between Overseas Shipholding Group and Qatargas Transport Company (Nakilat), and as such will be as "the world's safest, most advanced and largest ship" to transport Liquefied Natural Gas, according to OSG.
The first vessel, Al Gattara, will be named at a ceremony at Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan on Monday September 10. The ship's sponsor is Mrs. Cathy Houston, wife of Dennis Houston, Executive Vice President, ExxonMobil Refining and Supply Company.
The second ship in the new fleet, the Tembek, constructed by Samsung Heavy Industries in Geoje Island, South Korea, will be named the following day. Mrs. Naomi Campbell, wife of Angus Campbell, Head of OSG's Gas Strategic Business Unit, will be ship sponsor.
OSG Nakilat's Q-Flex carriers will be able to each transport 216,000 cubic metres of LNG, approximately 40% more than the standard LNG vessels in service today. Energy requirements will be significantly lower than conventional LNG vessels due to economies of scale created by their size and the efficiency of the engines, and in addition they will employ what is claimed to be a first-of-its-kind on-board reliquefaction plant, which cools boil-off gas and converts it back to liquid for return to the tanks.
Arntzen commented, "OSG continues to diversify its business by moving into new and related markets and LNG, one of the fastest areas of energy growth, presents us with tremendous opportunities to expand. This new class of LNG carriers is unique and has been designed and constructed using all advanced technology that is available today." [07/09/07]
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