Oil & Gas

Qatar Energy has taken delivery of its inaugural liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier from China, marking a significant step in its plan to build a fleet of around 128,100 tankers, as reported by the Washington-based Specialized Energy Platform.

The vessel, named Rex Tillerson, was launched on September 10, 2024, and is the first of its kind in Qatar Energy’s historic fleet expansion program. This naming honors Rex Tillerson, the former ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO, for his notable contributions to the energy sector.

The ceremonial event took place at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai, with distinguished attendees including Qatar Energy's Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Eng. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, and other key figures from Qatar Energy.

The ceremony was also attended by prominent representatives from China State Shipbuilding Corporation, Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, Mitsui Marine Lines, and COSCO Shipping Corporation, highlighting the international collaboration in this venture.

In addition to the Rex Tillerson, Qatar Energy unveiled a second LNG carrier, the Um Ghuwailina, part of a batch of 12 conventionally sized tankers constructed at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard. These vessels are equipped with advanced marine technology to ensure optimal performance and environmental compliance, reflecting Qatar Energy’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency.

The fleet expansion continues with a new agreement signed on September 9 to build six additional QC-Max LNG vessels, bringing the total number of tankers in Qatar Energy’s fleet expansion program to 128, including 24 QC-Max supertankers.

This initiative is part of Qatar Energy’s strategy to increase production capacity from the North Field to 142 million tonnes per annum by 2030, aligning with its long-term vision for growth and global energy supply.