The opening months of next year could witness another leap forward in Qatar’s growing presence in liquefied natural gas shipping, according to a report from the Middle East.The Doha newspaper Gulf Times suggested Qatari LNG projects intend to “initiate” shipbuilding contracts worth more than $11bn for 45 of the largest LNG carriers in the first quarter of next year.
Shipping has formed a central part of Qatar’s ambition to become the world’s largest LNG exporter, and by 2010 it is estimated that the fleet of Qatar Gas Transport (Nakilat) will represent about 8% of the global fleet.Nakilat already has interests of between 20% and 60% in 29 LNG carriers and fully owns a further16 vessels.However, Nakilat has previously said it may require a fleet of about 90 LNG carriers over the period to 2010, while the company also has substantial plans in liquefied petroleum gas shipping.
Shipping has formed a central part of Qatar’s ambition to become the world’s largest LNG exporter, and by 2010 it is estimated that the fleet of Qatar Gas Transport (Nakilat) will represent about 8% of the global fleet.Nakilat already has interests of between 20% and 60% in 29 LNG carriers and fully owns a further16 vessels.However, Nakilat has previously said it may require a fleet of about 90 LNG carriers over the period to 2010, while the company also has substantial plans in liquefied petroleum gas shipping.