First of six LNG carriers delivered to ADNOC L&S

ADNOC L&S took delivery of first new-build LNG carrier from Jiangnan Shipyard ahead of schedule. (Image: ADNOC)

ADNOC Logistics and Services, a global energy maritime logistics leader, has taken delivery of Al Shelila, the first of six newbuild 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.

“In Arabic, Shelila represents strength and grace, qualities that reflect the legacy of our forefathers’ vessels,” said Capt. Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of ADNOC L&S. “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.”

ADNOC L&S awarded shipbuilding contracts to Jiangnan Shipyard in 2022 for the six LNG carriers as part of the company’s strategic fleet expansion to meet the growing global demand for natural gas as a lower-carbon energy source. During 2024, the company further strengthened and modernized its asset base with new build contracts for up to 23 new energy-efficient vessels, including 8-10 LNG carriers, nine Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLECs) and four Very Large Ammonia Carriers (VLACs), adding in excess of 340 years of contracted income year-to-date.

Al Shelila has a capacity of 175,000m3, significantly larger than the 137,000m3 capacity of ADNOC L&S’ current LNG carriers. Equipped with advanced energy-efficient technologies, including two new-generation LNG dual-fuel main engines, the vessel is designed to reduce methane emissions by up to 50% compared to older-generation technology.