QatarEnergy returns to Hudong-Zhonghua for more LNG carriers

QatarEnergy has signed an agreement with CSSC Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding for the construction of six QC-Max LNG vessels, bringing the total it has on order at the Chinese yard to 24.

The latest contracts form part of QatarEnergy’s massive fleet expansion plans which now total 128 LNG vessels on order.

The QC-Max vessels are the largest LNG vessels ever built with a capacity of 271,000 cubic meters each. The new advanced carriers are scheduled to be delivered between 2028 and 2031.

His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the President and CEO of QatarEnergy said: “The signing of agreement is underscored by the strategic importance of QatarEnergy’s historic LNG fleet expansion program and its commitment to maintaining a leadership position in the global LNG market.

“We are very pleased to expand our excellent working relationship with CSSC and Hudong-Zhonghua, one of the world’s premier shipbuilders. We look forward to receiving these advanced LNG vessels and expanding our role in providing the world with the cleaner energy needed for a realistic and practical energy transition.”

The vessels, independently developed by Hudong-Zhonghua and will enhance QatarEnergy’s capacity to meet the growing global LNG demand.

The agreement was signed during a ceremony held in Shanghai on 9 September by His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Chen Jianliang, the Chairman of Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group), and Hu Kai, the President of China Shipbuilding Trading.

The six new vessels are in addition to 18 QC-Max vessels ordered in April this year from Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard, bringing the total number of QC-Max vessels ordered by QatarEnergy to 24, with a total value of about $8 billion.