ADNOC L&S Takes Delivery of First New-Build LNG Carrier from Jiangnan Shipyard.

Shanghai: ADNOC Logistics and Services plc (ADNOC L and S) announced today it has taken delivery of 'Al Shelila,' the first of six new-build Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) carriers from Jiangnan Shipyard in China. The vessel has been delivered two months ahead of schedule, with the remaining five expected to be delivered in 2025 and 2026. Immediately after delivery, "Al Shelila" will go on hire with a top-tier, global energy trader. According to Emirates News Agency, Al Shelila's naming and delivery ceremony was attended by notable figures including Muhannad Sulaiman Al Naqbi, UAE Consul-General in Shanghai, and Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of ADNOC L and S. Lin Ou, Chairman of Jiangnan Shipyard, Tony Liang, General Manager of Wanhua Chemical Group, Rong Yao of CSTC, Norbert Kray of DNV, and Sebastien Fatet of GTT were also present. Al Masabi emphasized the expansion of their fleet to meet rising global demand for natural gas and highlighted the strong industrial ties between the UAE and China. ADNOC L a nd S had awarded shipbuilding contracts to Jiangnan Shipyard in 2022 for the six LNG carriers as part of the company's strategic fleet expansion. This move aims to address the growing global demand for natural gas as a lower-carbon energy source. In 2024, the company further strengthened its asset base with new build contracts for up to 23 new energy-efficient vessels. This includes 8-10 LNG carriers, nine Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLECs), and four Very Large Ammonia Carriers (VLACs), which collectively add in excess of 340 years of contracted income year-to-date. The Navig8 acquisition is progressing well through regulatory approvals, with completion anticipated by 31st March 2025 at the latest. This acquisition is expected to further boost ADNOC L and S' profile as a global energy maritime logistics leader. Lin Ou commented on the successful delivery of the first Mark III type large LNG carrier ahead of schedule, showcasing Jiangnan's comprehensive shipbuilding abilities. The shipbuilding company remain s committed to delivering the remaining LNG carriers, VLECs, and VLACs on time to support ADNOC L and S in its ambitious fleet expansion. Al Shelila boasts a capacity of 175,000m3, significantly larger than the 137,000m3 capacity of ADNOC L and S' current LNG carriers. The vessel is equipped with advanced energy-efficient technologies, including two new-generation LNG dual-fuel main engines, aimed at reducing methane emissions by up to 50% compared to older-generation technology. The collaboration between ADNOC L and S and Jiangnan Shipyard has been strengthening over the years. In 2020, AW Shipping, a strategic venture between ADNOC L and S and Wanhua Chemical, awarded Jiangnan Shipyard shipbuilding contracts for five Very Large Gas Carriers. This collaboration expanded in 2024 with further contracts for nine VLECs and four VLACs.