Chinese shipyard Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding has officially begun construction of a new generation of QC-Max LNG carriers, which are set to become the largest liquefied natural gas vessels ever built.
The first vessel entered the construction phase in Shanghai as part of QatarEnergy’s massive fleet expansion program. In total, 24 ultra-large QC-Max carriers are planned for the Qatari energy giant.
Each vessel will have a cargo capacity of 271,000 cubic metres of LNG, surpassing the current Q-Max class and establishing a new benchmark for LNG transportation. The ships will measure approximately 344 metres in length and 53.6 metres in beam.
The new carriers will feature low-speed dual-fuel engines, advanced environmental technologies, and improved fuel efficiency designed to reduce emissions and operating costs.
The entire QC-Max program is valued at approximately $8 billion, making it one of the largest shipbuilding projects in the history of the LNG industry. Deliveries are scheduled between 2028 and 2031.
Interestingly, the current world’s largest LNG carriers belong to the Q-Max class, with a capacity of 266,000 cubic metres. The new QC-Max vessels will exceed that record and represent the next step in the evolution of LNG transportation.
As global demand for liquefied natural gas continues to grow, these giant vessels are expected to play a key role in supporting long-distance energy exports and strengthening Qatar’s position as one of the world’s leading LNG suppliers.
