Qatargas transfers LNG to Subic Bay for the first time

Photo Courtesy: The Peninsula

The first ever commercial ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of a liquefied natural gas LNG) took place today at Subic Bay, Philippines. The Qatargas Operating Company Limited (Qatargas) announced the historical transfer and completion involving a Q-Flex LNG vessel, says a report.

Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatargas’ Chief Executive Officer, stated: “We are delighted to announce this shipping breakthrough as it is for the first time that one of the largest LNG vessels, a Q-Flex, is involved in a commercial STS operation. This achievement will enable us to transport considerable volumes as efficiently as possible into key markets. Moreover, this will be an attractive option for our potential customers with limited shipping capacity and for those who are looking for smaller or irregular sized cargo parcels. ” 

A total of 212,000 cubic metres were transferred through the Q-Flex vessel ‘Mesaimeer’. The shipment was loaded at Ras Laffan Port on December 18, 2020 and was scheduled as two separate deliveries, one in Subic Bay and the other to Jiangsu LNG terminal, in China.

Khalid added, “STS transfers such as this one will optimise our shipping capabilities by using our most efficient LNG vessels to shift volumes into key high-value markets. I would like to thank PetroChina, who are one of our long-term partners in the LNG industry, for their support and cooperation.”   

The LNG vessel, ‘Mesaimeer,’ is on a long-term charter to Qatargas and operated by NSQL – Nakilat Shipping (Qatar) Limited.