Q-Flex makes milestone Suez transit
Posted: 07 April 2008
 Send this article
 Print this article
Qatargas has celebrated another milestone for Qatar with the first Q-Flex transiting the Suez Canal. With a capacity of 210,000 cubic metres, the Q-Flex Duhail is the largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) ship to pass through the canal.
The Duhail is scheduled to discharge its LNG cargo in Cartagena, Spain - for GasNatural -a long term Spanish buyer of Qatargas, the company said.
 Senior management of Qatargas attended a special ceremony held with officials of the Suez Canal Authorities and other associates from the shareholding companies.
Abdullah Al-Sulaiti Shipping Manager, Qatargas said: “We are extremely proud of this achievement today, it truly represents another milestone in our vision. The Q-Flex is currently the largest vessel to pass through the canal and we expect several more transits by the Q-Flex type this year.”
“We have looked forward to this moment since we were at the drawing board with the plans for these large LNG carriers – and today we witness the reality. It is indeed an honour. Today’s celebration is testament to the dedication and hard work by all of our associates – the Suez Canal Authorities, our shareholders and shipbuilders, who have worked towards the realization of a great vision and the extraordinary team work undertaken by all parties involved.”
Q-Flex, membrane type vessels, represent a new generation of LNG ships and are propelled by two slow speed diesel engines, making them more efficient than traditional steam turbines. Equipped with an on-board reliquefaction system to handle the boil-off gas, these vessels are able to deliver 100% of the cargo to the customers.
Qatargas is currently undergoing major expansions, with new projects under construction and nearing completion. Current LNG production in Qatargas is at 10 million tonnes per annum. By the end of this decade, Qatargas will be producing 42 million tonnes per annum of LNG.
Qatar, the biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the Middle East, now leads the world in LNG exports. It outpaced its rivals, Malaysia and Indonesia, in the LNG export race in 2006. |
