Chinese shipbuilder hands over first 175,000 cbm LNG carrier to ADNOC L&S

ADNOC Logistics & Services (ADNOC L&S), the shipping and maritime logistics arm of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), has taken delivery of the first newbuild LNG carrier from Jiangnan Shipyard in China.

Al Shelila, the first of six LNG carriers ordered by ADNOC L&S at the Chinese shipyard, was delivered on November 25, two months ahead of schedule, and will go on hire with “a top-tier, global energy trader”.

The remaining five vessels are expected to be delivered in 2025 and 2026.

The newbuild has a capacity of 175,000 cubic meters (cbm) and is equipped with advanced energy-efficient technologies, including two new-generation LNG dual-fuel main engines. The vessel is designed to reduce methane emissions by up to 50% compared to older-generation technology, ADNOC L&S claims.

Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of ADNOC L&S, said: “We are proud to take delivery of ‘Al Shelila,’ from Jiangnan Shipyard. In Arabic, ‘Shelila’ represents strength and grace, qualities that reflect the legacy of our forefathers’ vessels. As we expand our fleet to meet rising global demand for natural gas, our deepening partnership with Jiangnan Shipyard underscores the strong industrial ties between the UAE and China, reinforcing our shared commitment to powering global economic growth.”

Lin Ou, Chairman of Jiangnan Shipyard, commented: “Under the great trust and support of ADNOC L&S, DNV, GTT and all relevant parties, Jiangnan has completed the construction of the first Mark III type large LNG carrier two months ahead of schedule. As a global leading shipbuilding company specialized in the full series of gas carriers, Jiangnan has demonstrated its comprehensive shipbuilding ability again. We are committed to delivering the remaining LNG carriers, VLECs and VLACs on time to support ADNOC L&S in its ambitious fleet expansion, and further strengthen our strategic cooperation.”

To remind, ADNOC L&S awarded shipbuilding contracts to Jiangnan Shipyard in 2022 for the six LNG carriers as part of its strategic fleet expansion.

During 2024, the company placed further shipbuilding orders for up to 23 new energy-efficient vessels, including 8-10 LNG carriers, nine very large ethane carriers (VLECs), and four very large ammonia carriers (VLACs).