QatarEnergy, a global leader in the production and supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG), has recently marked a significant expansion of its LNG fleet by inaugurating four new conventional-size LNG vessels built at Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) and Hanwha Ocean shipyards in the Republic of Korea.
The vessels, named Id’asah, Nuaijah, Umm Swayyah, and Lebrethah, are part of QatarEnergy’s historic fleet expansion program, which encompasses a record-breaking 128 LNG vessels ordered from Korean and Chinese shipyards—the largest shipbuilding initiative in LNG history.
The inauguration was celebrated in two separate ceremonies in the city of Geoje, South Korea. The first event, held at the Samsung Heavy Industries Shipyard, saw the naming of Id’asah, the first vessel to be delivered by SHI. In his remarks, His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President & CEO of QatarEnergy, underscored the importance of this partnership with Samsung Heavy Industries and JP Morgan Asset Management’s Global Transportation Group, emphasizing the collective commitment to delivering cleaner energy solutions.
“This very special occasion highlights the growth of QatarEnergy’s strategic partnership with Samsung Heavy Industries and JP Morgan Asset Management’s Global Transportation Group,” Minister Al-Kaabi noted. “This event is not only a milestone in our journey but also a celebration of our partnership and joint commitment to deliver cleaner energy to the world.”
Minister Al-Kaabi extended his gratitude to the shipowner, a JP Morgan subsidiary, for their dedication to the project, and to Samsung Heavy Industries for their skilled craftsmanship and commitment to quality.
The second naming ceremony took place at the Hanwha Ocean Shipyard, where Nuaijah, Umm Swayyah, and Lebrethah—the first three LNG vessels from Hanwha Ocean under this program—were christened. These vessels are expected to soon join QatarEnergy’s expanding LNG fleet and embark on their missions to deliver energy worldwide.
Minister Al-Kaabi highlighted the significance of these additions, stating, “This is a historic moment as these three LNG vessels prepare to set sail on their missions across the globe, providing a cleaner and more economic source of energy, and are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies to achieve optimal fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.”
In his speech, he also recognized the dedication of the vessels’ owners—the Korean KGL Consortium, which includes Pan Ocean, H-Line Shipping, and SK Shipping—and praised Hanwha Ocean for their high standards and commitment to excellence.
These ceremonies were attended by senior executives and representatives from QatarEnergy, QatarEnergy LNG, and the Korean government, as well as shipowners and executives from both Samsung Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean.
The new vessels not only underscore QatarEnergy’s investment in sustainable energy but also reinforce its partnerships within the global maritime and energy sectors. By employing the latest technologies, QatarEnergy’s fleet expansion demonstrates its commitment to reducing emissions and enhancing fuel efficiency, setting a new benchmark in LNG shipping.
About QatarEnergy
QatarEnergy is a global leader in the production and supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG), playing a pivotal role in the global energy transition. As part of its mission to expand its cleaner energy offerings, QatarEnergy is actively developing projects such as the North Field East (NFE) and North Field South (NFS), which aim to increase the country’s LNG production capacity from 77 million metric tons per year (MTPA) to 126 MTPA by the end of the decade. Additionally, its North Field West (NFW) project is set to boost capacity to 142 MTPA by 2030.
Beyond Qatar, the company is expanding its global LNG footprint through ventures like the Golden Pass LNG project in Texas, expected to produce 18 MTPA starting in 2025. QatarEnergy’s commitment to driving the energy transition extends through its ongoing investments in LNG infrastructure, shipbuilding, and cleaner energy technologies, positioning the company as a leader in the future of energy.
Source QatarEnergy