ADNOC L&S Takes Delivery Of First New-Build LNG Carrier 'Al Shelila' From Jiangnan Shipyard

ADNOC Logistics and Services plc (ADNOC L&S) has received 'Al Shelila,' the first of six new Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) carriers from Jiangnan Shipyard in China. This delivery was completed two months earlier than planned. The remaining five vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026. 'Al Shelila' will immediately commence operations with a leading global energy trader.

The naming and delivery event for 'Al Shelila' saw attendance from key figures, including Muhannad Sulaiman Al Naqbi, UAE Consul-General in Shanghai, Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of ADNOC L&S, Lin Ou, Chairman of Jiangnan Shipyard, Tony Liang from Wanhua Chemical Group, Rong Yao of CSTC, Norbert Kray of DNV, and Sebastien Fatet of GTT.

In 2022, ADNOC L&S awarded shipbuilding contracts to Jiangnan Shipyard for six LNG carriers. This move is part of their strategic fleet expansion to meet the increasing global demand for natural gas as a lower-carbon energy source. The company aims to modernise its asset base further by 2024 with contracts for up to 23 new energy-efficient vessels.

The new fleet will include eight to ten LNG carriers, nine Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLECs), and four Very Large Ammonia Carriers (VLACs). These additions will contribute over 340 years of contracted income year-to-date. The acquisition of Navig8 is also progressing well through regulatory approvals, expected to complete by March 31, 2025.

'Al Shelila' boasts a capacity of 175,000m3, surpassing the current ADNOC L&S LNG carriers' capacity of 137,000m3. It features advanced energy-efficient technologies like two new-generation LNG dual-fuel main engines. These innovations aim to cut methane emissions by up to 50% compared to older technology.

Lin Ou remarked on the successful completion: "Under the great trust and support of ADNOC L&S, DNV, GTT and all relevant parties, Jiangnan has completed the construction of the first Mark III type large LNG carrier two months ahead of schedule. As a global leading shipbuilding company specialised in the full series of gas carriers, Jiangnan has demonstrated its comprehensive shipbuilding ability again."

Strengthening Partnerships

The collaboration between ADNOC L&S and Jiangnan Shipyard continues to grow stronger. In 2020, AW Shipping—a strategic venture between ADNOC L&S and Wanhua Chemical—awarded Jiangnan Shipyard contracts for five Very Large Gas Carriers. This partnership expanded further in 2024 with additional contracts for nine VLECs and four VLACs.

Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi stated: "As we expand our fleet to meet rising global demand for natural gas, our deepening partnership with Jiangnan Shipyard underscores the strong industrial ties between the UAE and China, reinforcing our shared commitment to powering global economic growth."

This ongoing collaboration highlights both companies' dedication to supporting ADNOC L&S's ambitious fleet expansion goals while strengthening their strategic cooperation in maritime logistics.

With inputs from WAM