ADNOC Logistics and Services (ADNOC L&S), a global energy maritime logistics leader, announced today that it has taken delivery of ‘Al Shelila’, the first of six newbuild liquified natural gas (LNG) carriers from Jiangnan Shipyard in China. The shipyard delivered the vessel two months ahead of schedule and expects to deliver the remaining five in 2025 and 2026. Immediately after delivery ‘Al Shelila’ will go on hire with a top-tier, global energy trader.
“We are proud to take delivery of ‘Al Shelila’ from Jiangnan Shipyard. In Arabic, ‘Shelila’ represents strength and grace, qualities that reflect the legacy of our forefathers’ vessels,” stated Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of ADNOC L&S.
‘Al Shelila’s’ naming and delivery ceremony will see the attendance of His Excellency Muhannad Sulaiman Al Naqbi, consul general of the UAE in Shanghai, Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, Lin Ou, chairman of Jiangnan Shipyard, Tony Liang, general manager, Wanhua Chemical Group, Rong Yao of CSTC, Norbert Kray of DNV and Sebastien Fatet of GTT.
ADNOC L&S’s growing fleet
ADNOC L&S awarded shipbuilding contracts to Jiangnan Shipyard in 2022 for the six LNG carriers. The contracts are part of the company’s strategic fleet expansion to meet the growing global demand for natural gas as a lower-carbon energy source.
In 2024, ADNOC L&S 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.
“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,” added Al Masabi.
Navig8 acquisition
In addition, the Navig8 acquisition is progressing well through regulatory approvals with completion anticipated by March 31, 2025, at the latest. The contribution of the acquisition will further boost ADNOC L&S’ profile as a global energy maritime logistics leader. With its strong balance sheet, ADNOC L&S also remains focused on executing its transformative growth strategy and on delivering strong shareholder value.
Al Shelila
ADNOC L&S’s new ‘Al Shelila’ has a capacity of 175,000m3, significantly larger than the 137,000m3 capacity of the company’s current LNG carriers. With advanced energy-efficient technologies, including two new-generation LNG dual-fuel main engines, the vessel will reduce methane emissions by up to 50 percent compared to older-generation technology.
“Jiangnan has completed the construction of the first Mark III type large LNG carrier two months ahead of schedule. As a global leading shipbuilding company specialized in the full series of gas carriers, Jiangnan has demonstrated its comprehensive shipbuilding ability again. We are committed to delivering the remaining LNG carriers, VLECs and VLACs on time to support ADNOC L&S in its ambitious fleet expansion, and further strengthen our strategic cooperation,” stated Lin Ou, chairman of Jiangnan Shipyard.
The partnership between ADNOC L&S and Jiangnan Shipyard continues to strengthen. In 2020, AW Shipping, the strategic venture between ADNOC L&S and Wanhua Chemical, awarded Jiangnan Shipyard shipbuilding contracts for five Very Large Gas Carriers. This collaboration expanded in 2024 with further contracts for nine VLECs and four VLACs.
