ADNOC Expands LNG Fleet with Four New Carriers During China Visit

Shanghai | EcoPulse24

ADNOC Orders Four Next-Generation LNG Carriers

ADNOC Logistics & Services (ADNOC L&S) has placed an order for four next-generation liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers valued at approximately US$900 million (AED 3.3 billion), marking another milestone in the company's global fleet expansion strategy.

The agreement was signed at Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai during the visit of Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, where he witnessed the signing ceremony alongside senior UAE and Chinese officials.

Each vessel will have a cargo capacity of 175,000 cubic meters and is scheduled for delivery in 2029, supporting ADNOC's recently launched global LNG marketing and trading platform.

LNG Shipping Program Continues to Expand

The latest order increases ADNOC L&S' LNG newbuild program to 18 vessels, reinforcing its ambition to build one of the world's most advanced LNG shipping fleets.

The company has already taken delivery of six LNG carriers from Jiangnan Shipyard, five of which are operating under long-term charters of up to 15 years with ADNOC Gas.

The four newly ordered vessels are also expected to operate under long-term charter agreements, providing greater earnings visibility while supporting reliable LNG supplies to global markets.

Meera Joins the Fleet

During the Shanghai visit, ADNOC L&S also celebrated the delivery of Meera, the first of four Very Large Ammonia Carriers (VLACs).

With a carrying capacity of 93,000 cubic meters, Meera ranks among the world's largest ammonia carriers and forms part of ADNOC L&S' broader investment program covering LNG, ammonia and ethane transportation.

Since 2022, ADNOC L&S has committed more than US$5 billion to fleet expansion across 32 vessels, with nine vessels delivered and 23 additional vessels scheduled for delivery through 2029.

China Visit Extends Beyond Shipping

Alongside the maritime agreements, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber held meetings with executives from several leading Chinese technology companies, including Unitree, SUPCON, Hollysys, CATL, Gotion and Sungrow.

The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in industrial automation, robotics, battery technologies, clean energy and advanced manufacturing, reflecting the UAE's broader strategy of linking reliable energy infrastructure with next-generation industrial technologies.

The meetings also highlighted growing cooperation between the UAE and China in sectors that support artificial intelligence, digital industrialization and the energy transition.

Supporting ADNOC's Global LNG Strategy

The newly ordered carriers will strengthen ADNOC's ability to transport growing LNG volumes as the company expands its international marketing operations.

The investment aligns with ADNOC's strategy of increasing its combined marketable LNG capacity to 47 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) by 2035, supported by the recently launched integrated global LNG marketing and trading platform.

The new vessels will also feature advanced fuel-efficient designs aimed at improving operational performance while reducing emissions intensity.

Reference Table – LNG Fleet Expansion

Reference Table – Fleet Investment

Reference Table – Technology Meetings in China

EcoPulse24 Analysis

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber's visit to China illustrates how ADNOC's international strategy is evolving beyond hydrocarbon exports into a broader industrial and technology partnership model.

While the order for four additional LNG carriers strengthens ADNOC's ability to meet growing global gas demand and support its expanding LNG trading platform, the parallel meetings with China's leading robotics, automation and battery companies point to a wider objective: integrating reliable energy infrastructure with advanced industrial technologies.

The combination of maritime logistics, clean energy, battery innovation and industrial automation reflects the increasing convergence of energy, manufacturing and artificial intelligence. As global competition intensifies around energy security and next-generation industries, ADNOC is positioning itself not only as a major energy supplier but also as a strategic participant in the technologies shaping future industrial growth.