Doha, November 02 (QNA) - Qatar Gas Transport Company Limited (Nakilat) announced the naming of nine new vessels at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, and HD Hyundai Samho shipyards in South Korea, marking an important step in the company's long-term strategy to expand and diversify its fleet, enhance its operational capabilities, and support sustainable business growth.

The vessels include seven LNG carriers, "Al Ghuwair", "Al Jazi", "Al Mirzam", "Maqdeem", "Al Nasraniya", "Energy Vigour", and "Energy Voyager", in addition to two LPG/ammonia carriers, "Energy South" and "Energy East."

Five of the seven LNG carriers named form part of Nakilat's program to build 25 conventional-size LNG carriers at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean. These 25 vessels will be fully owned and operated by Nakilat and chartered to QatarEnergy affiliates under long-term agreements.

The remaining two LNG carriers and two LPG/ammonia carriers named form part of Nakilat's six-vessel newbuild program at HD Hyundai Samho.

Commenting on this milestone, Chief Executive Officer of Nakilat Eng. Abdullah Al Sulaiti said: "We are proud of our partnership with QatarEnergy, through which we aim to deliver added value to the LNG transportation market as an active partner in meeting the requirements of the North Field expansion projects. The naming of these nine vessels represents tangible progress in Nakilat's long-term investment in expanding its fleet. By strengthening our LNG transportation capabilities and further diversifying our fleet with LPG/ammonia carriers, we are enhancing our ability to respond to our customers' evolving needs while continuing to support Qatar's position as one of the world's leading producers and exporters of LNG."

He added: "Our partnerships with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, and HD Hyundai Samho are central to the progress of these programs. I extend my sincere appreciation to the shipyards and our project teams for their commitment and continued efforts in delivering the newbuild programs, while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational excellence."

The LNG carriers are designed to support the efficient and reliable transportation of LNG from the State of Qatar to global markets, in accordance with the highest standards of operational safety. The two LPG/ammonia carriers will also broaden the company's service offering and support its fleet diversification strategy. (QNA)