Nakilat Receives Dual-Fuel LPG/Ammonia Carrier | Mariner News
Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat) has taken delivery of the 88,000 m3 dual-fuel LPG/ammonia carrier, Energy North, from HD Hyundai Samho. The vessel, named at the South Korean shipyard on September 30, is scheduled to enter service on October 2, 2026, marking a significant step in Nakilat’s fleet enhancement strategy.
Energy North is the first vessel delivered under Nakilat’s current newbuilding programme, which includes two LNG carriers and four LPG/ammonia carriers. Its design allows for the transportation of both LPG and ammonia, providing crucial cargo flexibility for the company’s gas transportation portfolio.
The vessel is equipped with dual-fuel propulsion, specifically designed for future conversion to ammonia propulsion. This capability positions Nakilat with future-proofed assets capable of adapting to evolving decarbonization pathways in maritime transport. While LPG remains a niche alternative marine fuel concentrated almost entirely in gas carriers, the readiness for ammonia propulsion signals a long-term strategic commitment to potential future fuel transitions within the gas carrier segment.
Nakilat’s investment in ammonia-ready vessels, particularly as the inaugural delivery of a broader program, indicates a strategic move to capitalize on emerging ammonia trade flows and to maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly changing fuel landscape for deep-sea gas transportation.
