Doha: Qatar Gas Transport Company, known locally as Nakilat ('the carrier'), has chosen Shell International Trading and Shipping Co to manage its fleet of at least 27 carriers. Under the 25-year deal it is expected that operational management will be transferred to QGTC within 12 years.
The new fleet of LNG vessels with capacities of approx 215,000 cu mtr (Q-flex) and 265,000 cu mtr (Q-max) is currently under construction and will be put into service over the next four years. QGTC says the vessels will transport exports from four of Qatar's major LNG projects: Qatargas II (Train 5), Qatargas 3 (Train 6) and, subject to the agreement of the jv partners, Rasgas III (Train 7) and Qatargas 4 (Train 7). Qatar's stated aim is to become the world's largest LNG supplier by 2011,
"Our aspiration is to develop a world-class centre of excellence for LNG shipping in Qatar," said Faisal Al Suwaidi, vice chairman of Nakilat and ceo of Qatargas. "To achieve this, we knew we had to partner with a world leader in the industry."
"We are honoured to be selected to provide a full range of services to nakilat's large fleet of new LNG carriers," said Linda Cook, executive director of Shell Gas and Power, adding that shell is already involved in over a quarter of all LNG cargoes delivered. [20/11/06]
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