Construction of 2nd LNG carrier for Qatari project begins in China

Chinese shipyard Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group Co. has started construction of the second liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier ordered by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) as part of QatarEnergy’s massive LNG shipbuilding program.

The construction of the 174,000 cbm carrier started on 16 January at the Changxing Shipbuilding Base in the presence of representatives from MOL, COSCO Shipping LNG Investments, ABS and others.

The ship adopts the fifth-generation 174,000 cbm LNG carrier model independently developed and designed by Hudong-Zhonghua.

It has a total length of 299 metres, a molded width of 46.4 metres, and a molded depth of 26.25 metres and is tailor-made according to the technical standards formed by Qatar Energy.

The LNG carrier with a working name H1791A is the second out of four units ordered last year by MOL for charter with Qatari oil and gas giant QatarEnergy.

The contract was the first batch of time-charter parties (TCPs) awarded under QatarEnergy’s massive LNG shipping program.

QatarEnergy and MOL signed another long-term charter contract for three newbuild LNG carriers in November 2022.

The vessels, which are scheduled for delivery in 2027, will also be built at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding in China.

Moreover, the Qatari company last year awarded long-term charter contracts to Malaysian energy logistics group MISC Berhad and its consortium partners for five newbuild LNG carriers, in addition to previously awarded seven long-term deals.