Order details confirmed
The Emirati group ADNOC Logistics & Services announced the exercise of two outstanding options for new‑build liquefied natural gas carriers with Shanghai’s Jiangnan Shipyard. The contract is valued at $444 million in total, according to a report by Baird Maritime.
Both vessels will be equipped with cargo tanks capable of holding 175,000 cubic metres of LNG – the same capacity cited for ADNOC L&S’ recent acquisitions. The company intends to place the ships on long‑term charter arrangements once they are delivered.
Delivery timeline and deployment plans
Baird Maritime further notes that delivery is slated for 2029, giving the operator a clear window to align the new carriers with its expanding export commitments. Upon entry into service, the ships will augment ADNOC L&S’ existing fleet, which already includes four legacy carriers, six newer‑generation vessels delivered since the fourth quarter of 2024, and fourteen other hulls under construction.
TradeWinds highlighted that the latest order lifts ADNOC L&S’ outstanding Chinese build programme to six LNG carriers in total, a figure that underscores the company’s confidence in Jiangnan’s capacity to meet its schedule and pricing expectations.
Financial backdrop and fleet expansion
The firm disclosed that the $444 million spend forms part of an approximate $2.7 billion programme of vessel acquisitions and new‑build commitments announced for 2026, a statement echoed by Baird Maritime’s coverage of the broader investment drive.
LNG Prime reported that ADNOC L&S, a subsidiary of state‑owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, has now secured “super‑low prices” on the Jiangnan builds – a claim that remains unconfirmed beyond the TradeWinds article.
Strategic implications for the LNG market
By expanding its orderbook with additional high‑capacity carriers, ADNOC L&S positions itself to capture a larger share of long‑term LNG charter contracts as demand rebounds in Europe and Asia. The move also reflects a broader trend among Middle Eastern shippers to lock in new capacity from Chinese yards, which have been gaining market share through competitive pricing.
What this means for operators
For ship operators, the addition of two 175,000 cbm vessels scheduled for 2029 signals a forthcoming increase in available charter slots on modern, fuel‑efficient carriers. Operators should monitor ADNOC L&S’ charter announcements closely, as early engagement could secure favourable terms ahead of the vessels’ entry into service. Moreover, the demonstrated willingness of large energy firms to source from Chinese yards may encourage other charterers to consider similar procurement strategies to mitigate price volatility and delivery risk.