zoomImage Courtesy: Nakilat

Nakilat Shipping Qatar Limited (NSQL), a subsidiary of Nakilat, and Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited (Shell) have completed the first phase of the management transition of Nakilat’s LNG carriers from Shell to NSQL.

The 266,370 cbm Q-Max LNG carrier Al Mafyar became the 10th vessel to be transitioned from Shell to NSQL management in 10 months following the signing of the agreement between the two parties in October 2016. Apart from Al Mafyar, the parties completed the management transition of Mozah, Mekaines, Umm Slal, Al Ghuwairiya, Al Dafna, Mesaimeer, Onaiza, Al Ghashamiya and Al Sheehaniya.

Nakilat said this will be the “world’s largest management transition of LNG carriers.”

As informed, the latest vessel transition brings the fleet size managed by NSQL to 18 vessels, comprising of 14 LNG and 4 LPG carriers.

Shell has provided shipping services to Nakilat’s LNG fleet since it was established in 2006. These included ship management of 14 Q-Max and 11 Q-Flex LNG carriers and the sharing of shipping expertize to support the development of Qatar’s LNG shipping capability.

Nakilat has worked closely with Shell over the past 10 months, carrying out preparation and planning to ensure the safe transition of management of the ships.

“Nakilat is proud of this milestone achievement that has been accomplished today with our long-standing strategic partner Shell. The rapid expansion of our ship management activities within a short time-span has not only contributed towards the growth of the company but is also an indication of our commitment to be a global leader and provider of choice for energy transportation and maritime services, in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030,” Abdullah Fadhalah Al Sulaiti, Nakilat Managing Director, commented.

Shell will continue to manage 15 LNG vessels on behalf of Nakilat pending further transition phases.