MISC Names New LNG Carrier Under 15-Year QatarEnergy Charter

MISC Group has named its latest liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier Th’ailib at Samsung Heavy Industries Co Ltd in South Korea, marking the delivery of the first of three newbuild LNG vessels secured under long-term charter arrangements with QatarEnergy.

The 174,000-cubic-metre vessel will be chartered to QatarEnergy for a firm 15-year period from 2026. The new carrier is part of MISC’s fleet renewal and expansion programme and its participation in QatarEnergy’s LNG fleet expansion initiative.

MISC’s QatarEnergy LNG Fleet Programme

MISC participated in the first phase of QatarEnergy’s LNG fleet expansion programme through a consortium arrangement involving 12 LNG carriers. Under the second phase, the company secured a further three vessels.

With the addition of the three Phase Two vessels, MISC’s total participation in the QatarEnergy programme stands at 15 LNG carriers.

Th’ailib is equipped with dual-fuel engines and a reliquefaction system, along with an air lubrication system and high-performance anti-fouling hull coating. These technologies are intended to improve fuel efficiency and reduce the vessel’s emissions intensity during operations.

The LNG carrier also features advanced navigation, safety and monitoring systems. Its design and construction comply with applicable International Maritime Organization requirements and international maritime standards.

LNG Carrier Supports MISC Fleet Modernisation

MISC said Th’ailib forms part of its Delivering Progress strategy under the Resilient Core pillar, which focuses on fleet modernisation, measured growth and investment in newer, more fuel-efficient vessels.

MISC President and Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Zahid Osman said LNG would continue to have a role in meeting global energy demand while supporting the transition towards lower-emission energy systems.

He said Qatar remains a major LNG supplier to international markets and added that the new vessel reflects MISC’s experience in LNG shipping and its operational capabilities in managing advanced maritime assets.

The delivery adds to MISC’s LNG fleet while extending its long-term charter relationship with QatarEnergy. The remaining two vessels covered under the latest three-vessel arrangement are expected to further expand MISC’s participation in QatarEnergy’s LNG shipping programme.