QatarEnergy Inaugurates First Conventional-size LNG Vessel ‘Rex Tillerson’

QatarEnergy has inaugurated its first conventional-size liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, the Rex Tillerson.

The vessel, named after ExxonMobil’s former CEO and Chairman, Rex Tillerson, honours his remarkable achievements in the energy sector.

The traditional christening ceremony was held at the Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai, China.

The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including the Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy, His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, and the CEO of QatarEnergy LNG, Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al-Thani.

Ms Jia Haiying, Chief Financial Officer of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC); Mr Takeshi Hashimoto, President and CEO of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines; Mr Chen Jianliang, Chairman of Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding; and Mr Zhu Bixin, President of China COSCO SHIPPING Corporation Limited, QatarEnergy’s first Chinese shipowner. Senior executives from QatarEnergy and QatarEnergy LNG also attended the event.

During the ceremony, His Excellency Al-Kaabi talked about the importance of Rex Tillerson’s contributions to Qatar’s energy sector and his influence on the global energy landscape. He praised Tillerson’s efforts in developing one of Qatar’s oldest partnerships with international oil companies and expressed gratitude for his long-standing friendship.

The Minister believes the new tanker will carry Tillerson’s legacy as it navigates global waters, transferring LNG produced in Qatar to international markets.

Al-Kaabi reiterated QatarEnergy’s commitment to fulfilling the increasing demand for cleaner energy, highlighting the importance of “Rex Tillerson” in the new LNG fleet. The vessel will be crucial in QatarEnergy’s efforts to promote global economic growth and environmental sustainability.

While reminiscing on his nearly 42-year career with ExxonMobil, Rex Tillerson expressed gratitude for having a vessel named after him. He praised ExxonMobil and Qatar’s combined efforts, led by His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and the present Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, that have enabled Qatar to become the world’s leading LNG exporter. Tillerson also wished the ship many years of safe service in transporting energy globally.

QatarEnergy christened a second vessel, “Umm Ghuwailina,” at the ceremony alongside the “Rex Tillerson.” Both vessels are part of a fleet of 12 conventional-size LNG carriers contracted with the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard.

These vessels are equipped with advanced maritime technology to ensure maximum operational efficiency and compliance with strict environmental regulations.

QatarEnergy Trading (QET) will operate the two vessels on long-term charters, as they are expected to be delivered ahead of schedule. They feature state-of-the-art boilers, dual-fuel engines, and generators that reduce fuel consumption and emissions while meeting the highest safety, technical, and environmental standards.

Minister Al-Kaabi appreciated the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard for their workmanship and long-term relationship, as well as the vessel owners, managers, and captains for their trust as the “Rex Tillerson” and “Umm Ghuwailina” are set to sail.

Reference: QatarEnergy

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