Adnoc’s first 175,000-cbm LNG carrier, Al Shelila, has completed its sea trials in China, according to CSSC’s Jiangnan Shipyard.
Jiangan said the LNG carrier started its sea trials on August 25, just two months after its launch.
Following completion of the trials, the vessel returned to the shipyard on September 4.
Jiangnan said the data collection and experience accumulation of this routine trial voyage laid the foundation for the upcoming gas trial voyage.
It did not say when it expects to deliver the LNG carrier.
The shipbuilder previously said it aims to deliver Adnoc’s LNG carrier in December this year, one month ahead of schedule.
This is the first of six LNG carriers Adnoc L&S ordered during 2022 from Jiangnan, and they will all be delivered by the end of 2026.
The entire order is worth more than $1.2 billion.
These “LNG Jumbo” dual-fuel carriers feature GTT’s Mark III Flex membrane system and a partial reliquefaction system.
Adnoc is investing heavily in its LNG business and in June it took a final investment decision to build its LNG export terminal in Al Ruwais.
The LNG project will consist of two 4.8 mtpa trains with a total capacity of 9.6 mtpa, more than doubling Adnoc’s existing UAE LNG production capacity to around 15 mtpa, as the company builds its international LNG portfolio.
Adnoc currently owns a 70 percent stake in Adnoc LNG, that produces about 6 mtpa of LNG from its facilities on Das Island.
Adnoc L&S’s existing fleet of Moss-type, steam turbine LNG carriers serves its terminal on Das Island.
The company recently also selected two South Korean shipbuilders to build six LNG carriers following a tender.
These LNG carriers are expected to serve Adnoc’s second LNG terminal in Al Ruwais.