MISC Group, a member of the Petronas Group of Companies and an owner and operator of offshore floating assets and provider of energy-related maritime solutions and services, has marked a new milestone in its partnership with Qatar’s state-owned oil and gas giant QatarEnergy, by naming the first of three next-generation liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers designed to anchor a more sustainable maritime future at a ceremony in South Korea.
Equipped with advanced emissions-reducing technology, the 174,000-cubic-meter (cbm) vessel, which will kick off a 15-year charter that bolsters both companies' long-term decarbonization and fleet modernization goals, was named Th'ailib at a shipyard that belongs to Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) in South Korea on October 6, 2026.
As Th'ailib is the first of three newbuild LNG carriers secured by MISC under long-term time charter parties (TCPs) with QatarEnergy, the vessel will be chartered to the Persian Gulf state giant for a firm period of 15 years from 2026, marking another milestone in the Asian shipowner’s LNG fleet rejuvenation and disciplined growth agenda.
Datuk Zahid Osman, President & Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MISC, commented: “LNG will continue to play a critical role in meeting the world’s growing need for affordable energy while supporting the broader transition towards lower-emission energy systems, with Qatar remaining a major supplier to markets around the world.
“Against this backdrop, MISC is privileged to support QatarEnergy’s ambitions and remains focused on delivering the performance that will sustain this partnership well into the future.”
Th'ailib naming ceremony; Source: MISC
The delivery of Th’ailib further strengthens Malaysian firm’s participation in QatarEnergy’s LNG fleet expansion program. Following its Phase One participation through a consortium arrangement involving 12 LNG carriers, MISC has further secured three vessels under Phase Two.
These 15 vessels reinforce the company’s role in supporting QatarEnergy’s long-term LNG transportation requirements, with Th'ailib representing the next generation of its LNG fleet, strengthening its ability to serve customers reliably and efficiently.
The Th'ailib LNG carrier is equipped with dual-fuel engines, a reliquefaction system, a high-performance anti-fouling hull coating, and an air lubrication system designed to improve fuel efficiency, optimize energy use, and support lower emissions intensity.
This vessel is also equipped with advanced navigation, safety, and monitoring systems designed to support safe and efficient operations at sea, fortifying MISC’s ability to deliver efficient and future-ready LNG transportation solutions to customers worldwide.
The Malaysian firm’s CEO added: “As the first of three newbuild LNG carriers secured by MISC under our long-term time charter agreement with QatarEnergy, she reflects the strength we have built over decades as an LNG shipowner and the confidence placed in our ability to own and operate sophisticated maritime assets safely, reliably and efficiently.”