Nakilat has assumed full ship management and operations of Q-Max LNG (liquefied natural gas) carrier 'Bu Samra' from Shell International Trading and Shipping Company with effect from on Wednesday.
This comes as part of the second phase of its planned fleet management transition programme.
With a cargo carrying capacity of 266,000 cubic metres, Bu Samra is wholly-owned by Nakilat and chartered by Qatargas. The vessel, which was built in South Korea by Samsung Heavy Industries, delivered in December 2008 and has been in service ever since.
Bu Samra is the third vessel that will come under the management of Nakilat Shipping Qatar (NSQL) this year, bringing the total number of vessels managed by NSQL to 22, comprising 18 LNG and four liquefied petroleum gas carriers.
Nakilat's second phase of fleet management transition would contribute in laying a solid foundation for an integrated maritime industry in the country, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 for economic growth.
On the second phase of its fleet management transition, Nakilat chief executive Abdullah Fadhalah al-Sulaiti had said "the management of our vessels centrally from Qatar will allow Nakilat to capitalise on existing synergies with our main charterer, realise operational efficiencies and optimise costs.”
Nakilat's recent business activities regarding ship management within a short period of time has not only contributed to the overall fleet growth, but also strengthened the position as a global leader and provider of choice for energy transportation and maritime services.
In 2017, Nakilat successfully transitioned 10 vessels to in-house management, achieving excellent results in safety and operational performance, better than the industry average in the global shipping sector.