ADNOC L&S orders four LNG carriers to expand global shipping fleet
(WO) — ADNOC Logistics & Services (ADNOC L&S) has ordered four next-generation LNG carriers valued at approximately $900 million, expanding its newbuild program to support growing global LNG demand and ADNOC's long-term gas growth strategy.
The four vessels, each with a capacity of 175,000 m³, will be built by Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai and are scheduled for delivery in 2029. ADNOC L&S said the carriers are expected to operate under long-term charters, supporting the company's recently launched global LNG marketing and trading platform.
The latest order increases ADNOC L&S' LNG newbuild program to 18 vessels. The company has already taken delivery of six LNG carriers from Jiangnan Shipyard, with five currently operating under charters of up to 15 years with ADNOC Gas. An additional eight LNG carriers are under construction at Samsung Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean for delivery beginning in 2028 under 20-year charter agreements with ADNOC Gas.
"As global demand for natural gas continues to rise, this latest order reflects our confidence in the strong fundamentals of the LNG shipping market," said Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of ADNOC L&S. "We are investing in a next-generation fleet to efficiently connect key supply sources with high-growth demand centers."
ADNOC L&S also marked the delivery of Meera, the first of four Very Large Ammonia Carriers (VLACs) being built for AW Shipping, its joint venture with Wanhua Chemical Group. The 93,000-m³ vessel is part of a broader order that also includes nine Very Large Ethane Carriers.
Including its share of the AW Shipping program, ADNOC L&S has committed more than $5 billion to fleet expansion since 2022, encompassing 32 vessels. To date, nine vessels have been delivered, with another 23 scheduled for delivery through 2029.
The fleet expansion supports ADNOC's strategy to increase its LNG business, with the company targeting 47 million tonnes per annum (MMtpa) of marketable LNG capacity by 2035.
