Qatar Gas Transport Company Limited, known as Nakilat, has named a new liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and ammonia carrier during a ceremony at the HD Hyundai Samho shipyard in Yeongam, South Korea.
The vessel, named Energy North, is scheduled to enter service on October 2, marking the first ship delivered under Nakilat’s latest fleet expansion programme at the shipyard.
The programme covers six vessels, including two liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers and four LPG and ammonia carriers. Nakilat said the investment is intended to strengthen its fleet and support growing demand for energy transportation services in international markets.
The company said Energy North has a cargo capacity of 88,000 cubic metres and has been designed to transport both LPG and ammonia. The vessel includes technology intended to support safe and efficient transportation of the two products.
The ship is fitted with dual-fuel propulsion technology and systems designed to reduce emissions. Nakilat said the equipment is expected to improve fuel efficiency and operational flexibility while supporting lower emissions during the vessel’s operations.
Its ammonia-ready design also allows the vessel to support future changes in the energy market, particularly the development of lower-carbon energy supply chains.
Abdullah Al Sulaiti, chief executive officer of Nakilat, said the addition of the vessel marked an important stage in the company’s fleet expansion programme.
He said the new vessel reflected Nakilat’s efforts to develop a modern and diversified fleet capable of supporting the international energy transportation sector.
Al Sulaiti also highlighted the company’s cooperation with HD Hyundai Samho and the work of the teams involved in bringing the vessel to completion.
He said Nakilat would continue to focus on operational performance, innovation and long-term growth as it expands its maritime transportation capabilities.
The delivery forms part of Nakilat’s wider efforts to expand and modernise its fleet as the international energy industry evolves. The company’s investment in vessels capable of carrying both LPG and ammonia comes as ammonia is being considered for a growing role in lower-carbon energy systems and as a potential marine fuel.
With its dual-fuel propulsion and ammonia-ready configuration, Energy North is expected to give Nakilat additional flexibility in serving energy markets while supporting the company’s plans for a more diversified fleet.
The remaining vessels under the six-ship programme are expected to add further capacity to Nakilat’s fleet as the company continues its investment in maritime transportation infrastructure and technology.
