Nakilat expands LNG fleet

The new LNG carriers will be added to Maran Nakilat Co Ltd and will see the total fleet grow from eight vessels to 11. They will be used in international trade, expanding Nakilat’s LNG fleet from 58 vessels to 61, and expanding its total fleet – including both LNG and LPG carriers – from 62 vessels to 65.

“We are thankful for this excellent addition to our company, through refinancing and adding new ships to our fleet, which in turn will definitely strengthen the role of Nakilat as a leader in the global gas transportation market,” said Abdullah Fadhalah Al Sulaiti, managing director, Nakilat.

“Through these strong relationships, Nakilat is able to maintain the State of Qatar’s prime position in the global LNG shipping market and to continue to capitalise on further opportunities for the growth of our great nation’s marine transportation sector,” he added.

Maran Nakilat Co Ltd has grown its fleet’s capacity over three stages. The initial fleet of four vessels had a cargo capacity of 580,000m³. The expanded fleet of 11 vessels now has a cumulative capacity of 1,700,000m³.

In June 2013, Nakilat also increase its ownership of the joint venture with Greek shipping company Maran Ventures Inc from 30% to 40%.

Nakilat provides the essential transportation link in the State of Qatar’s LNG supply chain and has what is thought to be the largest LNG shipping fleet in the world. The company also manages and operates four large LPG carriers.