ADNOC Logistics & Services (ADNOC L&S) has placed an order for four next-generation LNG carriers valued at approximately USD 900 million, strengthening its fleet capacity to support the global transportation of natural gas. Each vessel will have a capacity of 175,000 cubic metres and is scheduled to be built at Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai, China, with deliveries expected in 2029.
The contract was signed in Shanghai during a ceremony witnessed by His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO; H.E. Hussain Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to China; H.E. Hassan Al Nowais, Undersecretary of Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology; Mr. Wang Guoqiang, General Manager of CSSC; and Mr. Kou Guangwu, President of Wanhua Chemical. The signatories were Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of ADNOC L&S and Mr. Xiao Wenlin, Chief Executive Officer of Jiangnan Shipyard.
Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi said: "As global demand for natural gas continues to rise, this latest order reflects our confidence in the strong fundamentals of the LNG shipping market. Building on our robust earnings growth and diversified operations, we are investing in a next-generation fleet to efficiently connect key supply sources with high-growth demand centres and support the global energy transformation."
The latest order brings ADNOC L&S’ total LNG newbuild program to 18 vessels, underscoring its commitment to building one of the most advanced and efficient LNG shipping fleets globally. ADNOC L&S has already taken delivery of six 175,000 m³ LNG carriers from Jiangnan Shipyard, valued at USD 1.2 billion (AED 4.4 billion), with five vessels deployed on contracts of up to 15 years with ADNOC Gas, providing stable and predictable revenues since May 2026. The four additional next-generation LNG carriers are expected to be deployed on long-term charters, enhancing visibility on future revenues and supporting stable energy flows to global markets.
Mr. Xiao Wenlin, Chief Executive Officer of Jiangnan Shipyard said: “ADNOC Logistics & Services’ continued trust in Jiangnan Shipyard – following the previous orders of six LNG carriers, nine VLECs, four VLACs as well as an earlier order of five VLGCs – underscores a long-standing partnership and a shared commitment to delivering world-class vessels.”
During Dr. Sultan Al Jaber’s visit to Jiangnan Shipyard, ADNOC L&S marked the delivery of the first of four Very Large Ammonia Carriers (VLACs). In 2024, AW Shipping, a joint venture between ADNOC L&S and Wanhua Chemical Group, placed a USD 1.9 billion (AED 7 billion) order for four VLACs and nine Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLECs) with two delivered in 2025. The visit concluded with a naming ceremony, where Rayan Al Shami, Business Excellence Analyst at ADNOC L&S, served as the vessel’s ‘Godmother’. With a carrying capacity of 93,000 cubic meters, the vessel ranks among the world’s largest ammonia carriers.
A further eight LNG carriers, with an investment volume of some USD 2.5 billion (AED 9.2 billion), are under construction at Samsung Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean. These vessels are scheduled for delivery from 2028, and are all contracted on 20-year time charters to ADNOC Gas.
Including its 50% share of the AW Shipping newbuild program, ADNOC L&S has committed over USD5 billion to fleet expansion since 2022. The company bases its investment decisions on long-term customer demand and contracted revenues, providing earnings visibility while supporting sustainable shareholder value.
The new vessels will strengthen ADNOC L&S' capacity to deliver LNG to customers worldwide, supporting ADNOC's broader LNG growth strategy and its recently launched global LNG marketing and trading platform, targeting 47 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of combined marketable LNG by 2035.
Robban Assafina is now on WhatsApp channel. Click Here
