The first vessel of Qatar's energy project was named "AL-TUWAR"

Date: April 17, 2025

On the morning of April 17, the naming ceremony for the first vessel of the Qatar Energy LNG transportation project, jointly invested by China LNG Shipping (Holdings) Limited (CLNG), was held on Changxing Dao in Shanghai. Shi Dai, General Manager of China Merchants Group, named the new vessel and performed the ribbon-cutting. Wang Guoqiang, General Manager of CSSC, was present. Speeches were delivered by Hu Xianfu, Deputy General Manager of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC); Feng Bo, Senior Executive of COSCO SHIPPING; Feng Boming, Deputy General Manager of China Merchants Group and Chairman of CMES; and Akira Kono, Vice President of Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line).

Shi Dai named the new vessel "AL-TUWAR", wishing it smooth sailing, bringing honor to its builders, creating value for its shipowners, and ensuring the safety of its crew throughout the voyages.

Feng Boming stated that the "AL-TUWAR" integrates green energy and cutting-edge technology, marking a milestone in China Merchants Group and COSCO SHIPPING’s collaboration through CLNG platform to advance the "Belt and Road" initiative and "dual-circulation" strategy. As the first vessel in China Merchants Group’ participation in Qatar’s LNG project, it will be followed by 10 additional vessels under construction and 13 newbuild orders. CMES will deepen strategic cooperation with CSSC and COSCO SHIPPING across more business sectors.

Feng Bo emphasized that the Qatar LNG transportation project strengthens COSCO SHIPPING’s long-term partnership with Qatar Energy, forming a closed-loop, trust-based LNG industrial chain. He expressed hopes for deeper industry collaboration in technology sharing, risk mitigation, and market expansion to foster a green and win-win LNG shipping ecosystem.

Akira Kono remarked that the "AL-TUWAR" is a symbol of innovation and global cooperation, and he looks forward to its contributions to worldwide energy transportation.

Hu Xianfu highlighted that the collaboration among CSSC, CMG, and COSCO SHIPPING enhances China’s shipbuilding capabilities and global competitiveness. The "AL-TUWAR", with its world-leading technical specifications, economic performance, and emission standards, sets a benchmark for China’s shipbuilding industry.

Executives from Qatar Energy, NYK Line, MISC Berhad, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., American Bureau of Shipping, China Classification Society, GTT, China Development Bank, Sinosure, Shanghai Maritime University, CMES, COSCO SHIPPING Energy Transportation, and China Merchants Group attended the ceremony. 

Background Note:
The name "AL-TUWAR" is transliterated from Arabic, originating from a mountain near Doha, Qatar, adhering to Qatar Energy’s tradition of naming vessels after meaningful local landmarks.