Oman’s Asyad Shipping has named two newbuild liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers in South Korea.
According to Asyad, the naming ceremony for the 174,000-cbm vessels, Muscat LNG and Musandam, took place at South Korea’s Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries on Thursday.
In addition, the Omani shipping firm took delivery of Muscat LNG.
Asyad noted that Muscat LNG will be chartered to state-owned LNG producer Oman LNG under a long-term contract.
The second LNG carrier, Musandam LNG, is expected to be delivered next month as planned and will also be employed with Oman LNG on the same contract.
In December 2022, Asyad placed an order for two LNG carriers worth $501 million with HD Hyundai Samho.
“It is especially meaningful for us to take delivery of Muscat LNG given that LNG shipping was where our journey began more than two decades ago, and we look forward to welcoming her sister vessel, Musandam LNG next month,” CEO Ibrahim Al-Nadhairi, said.
“Our investment in these two new-build eco-LNG carriers is part of our fleet renewal strategy. The addition of Muscat LNG and Musandam to our fleet, reinvigorates our commitment to this core segment, and re-establishes a fleet of modern, young vessels from which to strengthen our position in LNG shipping,” he said.