MISC names first of three new LNG carriers for QatarEnergy

MISC Group, a member of the Petronas Group of Companies, has held a naming ceremony for its newest liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, Th'ailib. The vessel will be chartered to QatarEnergy under a 15-year agreement starting in 2026 as part of MISC’s participation in QatarEnergy's LNG fleet expansion program.

Naming Ceremony and Construction Details

The ceremony took place at Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) in South Korea on October 6, 2026. The Th'ailib is the first of three newbuild LNG carriers secured by MISC under long-term time charter agreements with QatarEnergy. Each vessel has a capacity of 174,000 cubic meters and will enter service starting in 2026.

Equipped with advanced emissions-reducing technology, Th'ailib features dual-fuel engines, a reliquefaction system, high-performance anti-fouling hull coating, an air lubrication system, navigation, safety, and monitoring systems. The vessel was designed to meet International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements and international maritime standards.

Partnership and Fleet Modernization

The naming of Th'ailib marks a significant milestone in the partnership between MISC Group and QatarEnergy. MISC's President & Group CEO, Datuk Zahid Osman, emphasized the importance of LNG as a crucial component for meeting global energy demands while supporting the broader transition towards lower-emission energy systems.

“LNG will continue to play a critical role in meeting the world’s growing need for affordable energy while supporting the broader transition towards lower-emission energy systems, with Qatar remaining a major supplier to markets around the world,” stated Datuk Zahid Osman. “Against this backdrop, MISC is privileged to support QatarEnergy's ambitions and remains focused on delivering the performance that will sustain this partnership well into the future.”

Th'ailib is part of the second phase of the LNG fleet expansion program initiated by QatarEnergy. In its first phase, MISC participated through a consortium arrangement involving 12 LNG carriers. Collectively, the 15 vessels involved in both phases support QatarEnergy's long-term LNG transportation requirements.

Operational Benefits and Future Vessels

The newbuilds are expected to improve fuel efficiency and energy use while reducing emissions intensity, aligning with MISC’s Delivering Progress strategy under its Resilient Core pillar. The two additional vessels are scheduled for delivery, completing the order.

According to gCaptain: “The three new LNG carriers form part of a broader program aimed at modernizing QatarEnergy's fleet and meeting long-term requirements.”

What this means for operators

This development signifies a significant shift towards greener maritime operations, with the introduction of advanced technology and lower-emission vessels. For other operators in the sector, these newbuilds could set a precedent for future vessel acquisitions and modernization efforts. The improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions will be crucial factors as the industry continues to focus on sustainability.

The long-term nature of the charter agreements also underscores the reliability and performance expected from LNG carriers in the coming years, providing operators with stable and predictable long-term transportation solutions for natural gas.