Qatar orders first quarter of Chinese LNG tankers
The world’s largest LNG exporter has taken the first step in its vast fleet expansion
State-owned Qatar Petroleum (QP) has ordered four LNG carriers from Chinese shipbuilder Hudong, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, as the first step in its plans to significantly expand its capabilities ahead of its North Field East (NFE) expansion. But the initial order represents just a quarter of the capacity it potentially has reserved with Hudong, while it has still to kick off a far bigger option with yards in South Korea. QP values the deal for the four ships confirmed with Hudong at QAR2.8bn ($760mn). It signed a deal with the Chinese firm in April 2020 to reserve capacity out to 2027 that could total in excess of QAR11bn, “depending on [QP’s] requirements and the
Also in this section
24 December 2025
As activity in the US Gulf has stagnated at a lower level, the government is taking steps to encourage fresh exploration and bolster field development work
23 December 2025
The new government has brought stability and security to the country, with the door now open to international investment
23 December 2025
A third wave of LNG supply is coming, and with it a likely oversupply of the fuel by 2028
22 December 2025
Weakening climate resolve in the developed world and rapidly growing demand in developing countries means peak oil is still a long way away






