Largest LNG ship through Suez Canal
Posted: 1 April 2008
Qatargas today celebrated another milestone for Qatar with the first Q-Flex transiting the Suez Canal.
With a capacity of 210,000 m3, the Q-Flex Duhail is the largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) ship to pass through the canal.
The Duhail is scheduled to discharge its LNG cargo in Cartagena, Spain - for GasNatural - a long term Spanish buyer of Qatargas.
Senior management of Qatargas attended a special ceremony held with officials of the Suez Canal Authorities and other associates from the shareholding companies.
"We are extremely proud of this achievement today; it truly represents another milestone in our vision," said Abdullah Al-Sulaiti Shipping Manager, Qatargas.
"The Q-Flex is currently the largest vessel to pass through the canal and we expect several more transits by the Q-Flex type this year."
"We have looked forward to this moment since we were at the drawing board with the plans for these large LNG carriers – and today we witness the reality. It is indeed an honor. Today’s celebration is testament to the dedication and hard work by all of our associates – the Suez Canal Authorities, our shareholders and shipbuilders, who have worked towards the realization of a great vision and the extraordinary team work undertaken by all parties involved."
Q-Flex, membrane type vessels, represent a new generation of LNG ships and are propelled by two slow speed diesel engines, making them more efficient than traditional steam turbines. Equipped with an on-board reliquefaction system to handle the boil-off gas, these vessels are able to deliver 100 per cent of the cargo to the customers.
Qatargas is currently undergoing major expansions, with new projects under construction and nearing completion. Current LNG production in Qatargas is at 10 million tonnes per annum. By the end of this decade, Qatargas will be producing 42 million tonnes per annum of LNG.
Posted by Richard Price, Editor, EnergyME.com
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