IN a major boost to global energy transport, QatarEnergy has taken delivery of the new liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, the Al Zuwair, from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (HHI). The vessel, officially delivered on Aug. 18, will be managed by the NYK Group and will operate under a long-term contract to support QatarEnergy’s worldwide shipping and supply efforts.
The Al Zuwair is the third of 12 new LNG carriers being built for QatarEnergy by a joint venture that includes NYK, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., MISC Berhad, and China LNG Shipping (Holdings) Limited. This is the first of these vessels to be constructed at HHI. The NYK Group will also provide ship-management services for this vessel, a first for the consortium.
The vessel is designed with advanced technology to improve efficiency and reduce its environmental impact. It is powered by two fuel-efficient X-DF 2.1 iCER dual-fuel engines that can run on both fuel oil and boil-off gas. The ship also features an air lubrication system, which reduces resistance by creating a layer of air bubbles along the hull, and a reliquefaction device to make effective use of surplus boil-off gas.
This delivery aligns with the NYK Group’s “Sail Green, Drive Transformations 2026” management plan, which focuses on strengthening core businesses like its LNG carrier fleet. The NYK Group will use its extensive experience to help ensure a stable energy supply.