Nakilat, Shell complete phase one of LNG fleet management transition

Nakilat, the world’s largest liquefied natural gas shipper, said the first phase of the LNG carriers management transition from Shell has been completed. 

Al Mafyar, the Nakilat-owned vessel with a cargo capacity of 266,370 cubic meters chartered by Qatargas, was the 10th LNG carrier to transition to the company’s management in the last 10 months, Nakilat said.

The vessel built in South Korea by Samsung Heavy Industries was delivered in May 2009 and has been in service ever since.

This vessel transition brings the fleet size managed by Nakilat Shipping Qatar Limited (NSQL) to 18 vessels, comprising of 14 LNG and 4 LPG carriers.

The Hague-based LNG giant Shell has provided a range of shipping services to Nakilat’s LNG fleet since it was established in 2006. These included ship management of 14 Q-Max and 11 Q-Flex LNG carriers.

Over the last 10 months, the two companies carried out preparation and planning to ensure the management transition of the vessels.

Pending further transition phases, Shell’s unit, Shell International Trading and Shipping Company, will continue to manage 15 LNG vessels on behalf of Nakilat.