China’s Jiangnan Shipyard has floated out the first 175,000-cbm LNG carrier it is building for a unit of UAE’s Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (Adnoc).
The launching ceremony for the LNG carrier Al Shelila (H2700) took place on June 24, according to CSSC’s Jiangnan.
Besides the LNG carrier, Jiangnan also launched the first of four 14,000-teu LNG-powered containership it is building for Singapore’s Pacific International Lines.
Jiangnan started building this LNG-powered containership with a working name H2785 in July 2023 and plans to deliver the vessel later this year.
The shipbuilder also 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 it recently 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.