On September 9, 2024, QatarEnergy concluded a deal with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) to build six more QC-Max LNG vessels. This deal increases QatarEnergy’s fleet expansion program to a total of 128 LNG vessels, including 24 QC-Max mega vessels. The new vessels, to be built at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard—a CSSC subsidiary—are set to be the largest LNG carriers ever constructed, each with a capacity of 271,000 cubic meters. The advanced carriers are set to be delivered between 2028 and 2031.

The agreement was formalized during a ceremony in Shanghai, attended by His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, QatarEnergy’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO; Mr. Chen Jianliang, Chairman of Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co. Ltd; and Mr. Hu Kai, President of China Shipbuilding Trading Co. Ltd. The event was also graced by Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al-Thani, CEO of QatarEnergy LNG, Ms. Jia Haiying, CFO of CSSC, senior Chinese government officials, and other high-ranking executives from QatarEnergy and CSSC.

In his address, H.E. Mr. Al-Kaabi highlighted the significance of the agreement, noting, “This signing underscores the strategic importance of QatarEnergy’s historic LNG fleet expansion and our commitment to leading the global LNG market.” He also expressed satisfaction with the continued collaboration with CSSC and Hudong-Zhonghua, stating, “We are excited to receive these advanced LNG vessels and to further our role in supplying the cleaner energy essential for a practical energy transition.”

This latest order reflects QatarEnergy’s emphasis on quality and reliability. The new QC-Max vessels add to the 18 QC-Max ships recently ordered from Hudong-Zhonghua, bringing the total to 24 vessels with an estimated value of around USD 8 billion. These vessels are designed with the latest technology to enhance QatarEnergy’s ability to meet rising global LNG demand while upholding high standards of operational excellence and environmental sustainability.

The QC-Max ships feature improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions, embodying significant advancements in sustainable technology and adherence to stringent safety and environmental standards. This order reaffirms QatarEnergy’s dedication to innovation and its pivotal role in the global energy transition.

QatarEnergy, formerly Qatar Petroleum, is a state-owned petroleum company in Qatar responsible for managing the nation's oil and gas activities. This includes exploration, production, refining, transportation, and storage. The company works closely with state planning agencies, regulatory authorities, and policy-making bodies to ensure seamless coordination and effective management of Qatar's energy resources. QatarEnergy oversees every stage of the oil and gas industry in the State of Qatar.