Qatar Shipping Co. (Q Ship) is expanding its fleet to meet the country’s energy transport needs, its general manager said on Sunday.
Nasser Saeed Al Romaihi told the Gulf Times newspaper that the company hoped to procure in December 2003 and December 2004, respectively, two vessels for shipping liquefied natural gas (LNG) under the RasGas- Petronet LNG Limited (PLL-India) deal.
Each vessel costs $185 million, he told the paper.
Another LNG carrier for Qatargas’ spot sales is expected to join the fleet by September 2004.
Romaihi said Q Ship had entered into a $75 million contract with Shina Shipbuilding, South Korea for the delivery of three product/chemical tankers by mid-2003.
Currently, Q Ship owns and operates a deep-sea fleet comprising seven vessels with an aggregate tonnage of 711,153 DWT.
Apart from the operation of its own vessels, Q Ship also spot charters vessels to meet its needs.
The company has commenced providing Harbour Towage and Pilot Boats Services at Messaieed Port, Romaihi said. This is part of income diversification policy.
Currently, two fully-owned pilot boats and four tugboats are in service, said the manager – Albawaba.com
