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QatarEnergy has signed a groundbreaking agreement with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) to construct a record-breaking 18 ultra-modern QC-Max size liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers. This historic $6 billion deal represents the industry’s largest single shipbuilding order ever placed.
The new vessels, boasting a massive capacity of 271,000 cubic meters each, will be built at China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028, with eight ships arriving by 2029 and the remaining ten following in 2030 and 2031.
This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the expanding partnership between China and Qatar’s energy sectors. The agreement was officially signed in Beijing by prominent figures on both sides, including His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Qatari Minister of State for Energy Affairs and CEO of QatarEnergy.
“This momentous agreement signifies not only the largest single shipbuilding contract in LNG history but also the construction of the industry’s biggest LNG vessels ever,” declared Mr. Al-Kaabi.
He further highlighted the ongoing construction of 12 additional conventional-size LNG vessels at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard, with the first expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2024.
Last month, QatarEnergy solidified its position as a leading energy supplier to China by announcing Time Charter Party agreements for a record-breaking 104 conventional-size vessels. These achievements stand as a testament to the flourishing cooperation between China and Qatar, particularly in the energy sector. In 2023 alone, Qatar successfully delivered nearly 17 million tons of LNG to China.