Chinese shipyard hosts naming ceremony for another vessel in QatarEnergy’s LNG
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Unveils New LNG Carrier to Boost QatarEnergy’s Expansion
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Introduces New LNG Ship
Japan’s shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has launched another LNG carrier, marking a big step forward in its partnership with QatarEnergy. The new ship, named Hlaitan, is the third LNG carrier built at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding in China since September 2024. This vessel is part of a larger project led by QatarEnergy to grow its fleet and meet rising energy demands worldwide.
A Strong Partnership Between MOL and QatarEnergy
In 2022, QatarEnergy teamed up with MOL to expand its fleet of LNG carriers. The first four ships were ordered under QatarEnergy’s long-term LNG shipping program. Later that year, MOL signed another contract to build three more LNG carriers. All these vessels are being constructed at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding.
The latest ship, Hlaitan, was named after a famous archaeological site in Qatar. This name shows the connection between Qatar’s rich heritage and its energy ambitions. Hlaitan will join six other LNG carriers ordered by QatarEnergy in 2022. It will work under long-term contracts managed by QatarEnergy Trading, showing the strong collaboration between MOL and QatarEnergy.
Supporting Qatar’s LNG Expansion
QatarEnergy’s LNG expansion is part of its plan to become a world leader in energy. The company aims to grow its annual LNG production from 77 million tons to 142 million tons by 2030. This increase will be powered by massive projects like the North Field East (NFE), North Field South (NFS), and North Field West (NFW) expansions. The North Field, shared by Qatar and Iran, is the largest natural gas field in the world.
To strengthen its position globally, QatarEnergy has also signed major deals. Recently, the company agreed to supply 3 million tons of LNG yearly to China in a deal with Shell. Other agreements include providing LNG to the Netherlands for 27 years, further highlighting QatarEnergy’s global reach.
A Step Towards Energy Leadership
The launch of the Hlaitan LNG carrier is more than just a new ship in the water—it represents QatarEnergy’s commitment to expanding its influence in the energy world. Working with MOL and building a modern fleet are key parts of this journey. As QatarEnergy continues to grow, its vision of being a leader in global energy production is becoming a reality.
By blending modern shipping solutions with long-term partnerships, QatarEnergy and MOL are paving the way for a brighter energy future.
