Option exercise adds two 175,000 m³ vessels
ADNOC Logistics & Services announced on 26 August 2026 that it has exercised options for a pair of LNG carriers at Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai. The deal is valued at US$444 million and brings the delivery schedule forward to 2029, with each vessel rated at 175,000 cubic metres of cargo capacity. The company highlighted that the new ships will be positioned for long‑term charter contracts.
Programme now encompasses twenty newbuilds
Splash247 reports that the latest option lifts ADNOC L&S’s LNG new‑build programme to a total of 20 vessels. This follows a July 2026 order for four additional carriers worth US$900 million, which had taken the count to 18 ships. The two‑ship option therefore completes the current build plan, while the broader acquisition strategy for 2026 reaches roughly US$2.7 billion.
Existing fleet and earlier deliveries
The Abu Dhabi‑listed operator already took delivery of six 175,000 m³ carriers from Jiangnan under a prior US$1.2 billion package; five of those are tied to ADNOC Gas on contracts that may run for up to 15 years. Adding four legacy LNG vessels still in service, the total fleet is set to reach 24 carriers once all orders are fulfilled, as confirmed by both Splash247 and ship.energy.
Design work and ancillary orders
In the third quarter of 2026, GTT received a contract from Jiangnan Shipyard to supply the cryogenic tank design for four of ADNOC L&S’s new LNG carriers. The French engineer will install its Mark III Flex membrane containment system on each 175,000 m³ hull, with deliveries slated for the first half of 2029, according to Hellenic Shipping News.
Seatrade Maritime News observed that ADNOC L&S placed six LNG carrier orders with Jiangnan during the current year, a figure that aligns with the four‑ship July order plus the two‑ship option exercised in August.
Broader vessel acquisition programme
The US$2.7 billion commitment for 2026 also encompasses purchases outside the LNG segment, notably a US$1.3 billion deal for six Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and five Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs), as detailed by Splash247.
What this means for operators
Operators can expect an expanded pool of modern, large‑capacity LNG carriers entering service from 2029 onward, offering long‑term charter opportunities that may stabilise spot market rates. The inclusion of GTT’s Mark III Flex system signals a continued focus on efficient containment technology, which could influence charter terms related to cargo flexibility and fuel consumption. Moreover, the simultaneous growth in VLCC and VLGC holdings suggests ADNOC L&S is positioning itself as a diversified maritime player, potentially prompting competitors to reassess fleet renewal timelines and partnership strategies.
