# Nakilat names nine new gas carriers in South Korea

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/nakilat-names-nine-new-gas-carriers/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Jason Nicholson
- **Published:** 2026-11-04T06:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-11-03T09:21:25+00:00
- **Section:** Shipping / Gas Shipping
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** Hanwha Ocean, HD Hyundai, LNG Carriers, LPG/Ammonia Carriers, Nakilat, QatarEnergy

Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat) has announced the naming of nine new gas carriers at three South Korean shipyards, marking progress in its ongoing fleet expansion and diversification programmes.

The vessels comprise seven LNG carriers and two LPG/ammonia carriers, with naming ceremonies taking place at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Samho. The newbuildings form part of Nakilat’s broader investment in gas transportation capacity, including vessels intended to support Qatar’s expanding LNG export operations.

The seven LNG carriers have been named *Al Ghuwair*, *Al Jazi*, *Al Mirzam*, *Maqdeem*, *Al Nasraniya*, *Energy Vigour* and *Energy Voyager*. The two LPG/ammonia carriers have been named *Energy South* and *Energy East*.

Five of the LNG carriers belong to Nakilat’s programme for 25 conventional-size LNG carriers being constructed at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean. All 25 vessels under this programme are intended to be fully owned and operated by Nakilat and chartered to QatarEnergy affiliates under long-term agreements.

The remaining two LNG carriers and both LPG/ammonia carriers form part of a separate six-vessel newbuilding programme at HD Hyundai Samho. The addition of LPG/ammonia-capable vessels is intended to diversify Nakilat’s fleet beyond its established LNG transportation activities.

Nakilat said the new LNG carriers will strengthen its ability to transport gas from Qatar to international markets, including in connection with QatarEnergy’s North Field expansion projects. The company’s investment programme is designed to increase transportation capacity while supporting long-term charter requirements.

“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,” said Abdullah Al Sulaiti, Chief Executive Officer of Nakilat.

Al Sulaiti said the naming of the nine vessels demonstrated progress in the company’s long-term fleet investment strategy. He also highlighted the role of the three South Korean shipyards in advancing the newbuilding programmes and maintaining safety and quality standards throughout construction.

The LNG carriers are being developed for the transportation of liquefied natural gas to global markets, while the LPG/ammonia carriers will broaden the range of cargoes that Nakilat can accommodate. Together, the programmes reflect the company’s strategy of expanding its core LNG fleet while developing additional capabilities in other gas shipping segments.

The announcement did not specify delivery dates for the nine named vessels or confirm that they have entered commercial service.

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Cite as: "Nakilat names nine new gas carriers in South Korea", pelavox., 4 November 2026, https://pelavox.com/nakilat-names-nine-new-gas-carriers/