Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has marked the naming ceremony of “AL SABSAB,” the fifth newbuild LNG carrier among seven vessels ordered for QatarEnergy in 2022 as part of the energy company’s historic LNG fleet expansion programme.
The ceremony was held at the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. shipyard in China, where the vessel was formally named in the presence of guests.
The name AL SABSAB was chosen after a place in Qatar that was once known as an oasis, reflecting a sense of nostalgia for the area’s history. The traditional ceremonial rope-cutting was also completed during the event.
MOL said the new LNG carrier forms part of its growing fleet supporting QatarEnergy’s North Field Expansion Project. In addition to the seven vessels ordered in 2022, six more LNG carriers have been contracted under long-term time charter agreements with QatarEnergy.
With these vessels, the total number of MOL-operated LNG carriers introduced under the North Field Expansion Project will reach 13, further strengthening the company’s role in Qatar’s expanding LNG supply chain.
The latest addition underscores MOL’s continued commitment to expanding its LNG carrier fleet and supporting the long-term transportation of LNG from Qatar to global markets.