In a significant milestone for Qatar’s maritime and energy sectors, QatarEnergy has inaugurated its first conventional-sized liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel, the ‘Rex Tillerson,’ under its historic shipbuilding program. Named in honor of Rex Tillerson, former Chairman and CEO of ExxonMobil, the vessel stands as a tribute to his lifelong contributions to the global energy industry.
The traditional naming ceremony took place at the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai, China, and was attended by several prominent figures, including His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy.
Key Attendees and Remarks
The event was graced by Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al-Thani, CEO of QatarEnergy LNG, Ms. Jia Haiying, CFO of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), Mr. Chen Jianliang, Chairman of Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, Mr. Takeshi Hashimoto, President and CEO of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Mr. Zhu Bixin, President of China COSCO SHIPPING Corporation Limited. Senior executives from QatarEnergy, QatarEnergy LNG, and key stakeholders in the global shipping and energy industries were also present.
During the ceremony, H.E. Minister Mr. Al-Kaabi reflected on Mr. Tillerson’s legacy, emphasizing the deep bond between Qatar and ExxonMobil, one of Qatar’s oldest energy partners. He remarked, “Mr. Tillerson’s legacy will always be remembered in Qatar and around the world, particularly for his wisdom, warmth, and sincerity, which drove one of the oldest Qatari relationships with international oil companies towards greater prosperity. We are grateful for Rex’s friendship and partnership with Qatar, and his long-lasting marks on the global energy industry.”
The Minister also expressed his best wishes for the “Rex Tillerson,” stating, “This event embodies our commitment to meet the world’s growing need for cleaner energy and to be part of the global economic development for decades to come. As the first ship in our new LNG fleet, the Rex Tillerson will undoubtedly play a significant role as she carries Qatari-produced LNG to many receiving terminals across the globe. It is our honor to name the first vessel in Rex Tillerson’s name as a tribute to his life-long accomplishments and as a symbol of a special friendship.”
Rex Tillerson’s Reflections
In a heartfelt speech, Rex Tillerson expressed his deep gratitude for the honor, saying, “During my almost 42-year career with ExxonMobil Corporation, one of the highlights was working with Qatar to develop its LNG trade. Under the wise leadership of His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and the continuing wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar has become the largest exporter of liquefied natural gas to the world.” He added, “I am deeply honored to have this magnificent ship carry my name. I hope it will have many years of safe service delivering energy the world over.”
Launching of Two Vessels
In addition to the “Rex Tillerson,” QatarEnergy also celebrated the naming of a second vessel, the “Umm Ghuwailina.” These two vessels are part of a series of 12 conventional-sized LNG vessels contracted with Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard. Both vessels are designed with the latest maritime technology, ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to the highest environmental standards, reflecting QatarEnergy’s commitment to sustainability.
The ships are set to be delivered ahead of schedule and will operate under long-term charter agreements by QatarEnergy Trading (QET). The vessels feature state-of-the-art dual-fuel engines, generators, and boilers designed to reduce both fuel consumption and emissions, aligning with QatarEnergy’s broader strategy of promoting cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
A Testament to Partnership and Craftsmanship
H.E. Minister Al-Kaabi extended his gratitude to Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard for their world-class craftsmanship and the strong partnership that made these vessels possible. He also acknowledged the contributions of the vessels’ owners, managers, and captains, expressing confidence that the “Rex Tillerson” and “Umm Ghuwailina” would exemplify the best standards of safety, performance, and environmental stewardship.
This inaugural event marks a significant step forward in Qatar’s commitment to cleaner energy, operational excellence, and global partnerships.
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