emirates7 - ADNOC Logistics and Services plc (ADNOC L&S) announced the early delivery of Al Shelila, the first of six new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carriers constructed by Jiangnan Shipyard in China. The vessel was handed over two months ahead of schedule, with the remaining five carriers scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026. Following its commissioning, Al Shelila will immediately begin operations under a charter agreement with a leading global energy trader.
The naming and delivery ceremony was attended by notable 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; and representatives from Wanhua Chemical Group, CSTC, DNV, and GTT.
Captain Al Masabi highlighted the importance of fleet expansion to meet increasing global demand for natural gas, emphasizing the strong industrial partnership between the UAE and China. He noted that this collaboration underpins shared efforts to support global economic growth.
ADNOC L&S awarded Jiangnan Shipyard contracts in 2022 for the construction of six LNG carriers as part of its strategic initiative to expand its fleet and address the rising global demand for natural gas, a lower-carbon energy source. In 2024, ADNOC L&S further modernized its fleet by commissioning up to 23 energy-efficient vessels, including 8–10 LNG carriers, nine Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLECs), and four Very Large Ammonia Carriers (VLACs), collectively adding over 340 years of contracted income.
Progress is also being made on ADNOC L&S’ acquisition of Navig8, which is expected to finalize by March 31, 2025. This acquisition is set to enhance the company’s status as a global leader in energy maritime logistics.
Lin Ou, Chairman of Jiangnan Shipyard, expressed pride in delivering the first Mark III-type large LNG carrier ahead of schedule. He highlighted Jiangnan's expertise in constructing gas carriers and reaffirmed the company's commitment to completing the remaining vessels on time to support ADNOC L&S’ fleet expansion goals and deepen strategic cooperation.
The Al Shelila boasts a capacity of 175,000m³, significantly larger than ADNOC L&S’ current LNG carriers, which hold 137,000m³. Equipped with cutting-edge energy-efficient technologies, including dual-fuel main engines, the vessel is designed to reduce methane emissions by up to 50% compared to older models.
The partnership between ADNOC L&S and Jiangnan Shipyard continues to grow. In 2020, their joint venture AW Shipping awarded Jiangnan contracts for five Very Large Gas Carriers. This collaboration expanded in 2024 with additional contracts for nine VLECs and four VLACs, further cementing the strategic alliance.
The naming and delivery ceremony was attended by notable 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; and representatives from Wanhua Chemical Group, CSTC, DNV, and GTT.
Captain Al Masabi highlighted the importance of fleet expansion to meet increasing global demand for natural gas, emphasizing the strong industrial partnership between the UAE and China. He noted that this collaboration underpins shared efforts to support global economic growth.
ADNOC L&S awarded Jiangnan Shipyard contracts in 2022 for the construction of six LNG carriers as part of its strategic initiative to expand its fleet and address the rising global demand for natural gas, a lower-carbon energy source. In 2024, ADNOC L&S further modernized its fleet by commissioning up to 23 energy-efficient vessels, including 8–10 LNG carriers, nine Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLECs), and four Very Large Ammonia Carriers (VLACs), collectively adding over 340 years of contracted income.
Progress is also being made on ADNOC L&S’ acquisition of Navig8, which is expected to finalize by March 31, 2025. This acquisition is set to enhance the company’s status as a global leader in energy maritime logistics.
Lin Ou, Chairman of Jiangnan Shipyard, expressed pride in delivering the first Mark III-type large LNG carrier ahead of schedule. He highlighted Jiangnan's expertise in constructing gas carriers and reaffirmed the company's commitment to completing the remaining vessels on time to support ADNOC L&S’ fleet expansion goals and deepen strategic cooperation.
The Al Shelila boasts a capacity of 175,000m³, significantly larger than ADNOC L&S’ current LNG carriers, which hold 137,000m³. Equipped with cutting-edge energy-efficient technologies, including dual-fuel main engines, the vessel is designed to reduce methane emissions by up to 50% compared to older models.
The partnership between ADNOC L&S and Jiangnan Shipyard continues to grow. In 2020, their joint venture AW Shipping awarded Jiangnan contracts for five Very Large Gas Carriers. This collaboration expanded in 2024 with additional contracts for nine VLECs and four VLACs, further cementing the strategic alliance.