Qatargas is pioneering the development of two new classes of LNG tankers.

Referred to as Q-Flex and Q-Max, the ships were designed by a team of engineers who have made a quantum leap in the capacities of LNG carriers. Each ship will have a cargo capacity of between 210,000 and 266,000 cubic metres and are 80 per cent larger than the current LNG fleet, according to the company website.
These new vessels will have many innovative features to maximise cargo deliveries and to ensure the highest levels of safety and reliability, some of which include:
“Membrane” type cargo containment system.
Twin engines and shafts to ensure maximum propulsion safety and reliability, with reduced environmental footprint and twin rudders to ensure safety of navigation and maneuverability in confined waters.
Slow speed diesel engines which are more thermally efficient than steam turbines and therefore burn less fuel, which will produce 30 per cent lower overall emissions compared to traditional existing LNG carriers.
Cargo re-liquefaction plants will return cargo boil off to the cargo tanks and therefore maximise the cargo delivery at the discharge port.
Power generation plant has also been enhanced to provide sufficient reserve and thus ensure integrity of supply under all operating circumstances.
Underwater coatings using the latest technology silicon anti-fouling system, which not only enhances the speed and performance of the vessel, but is also “friendly” to the marine environment since it does not release any biocides into the sea to prevent marine growth on the hull.
Fire fighting specification calling for combinations of Hi-Ex foam, Hi-fog water systems and safer and cleaner fire extinguishing agents to eliminate the need for CO2 – a first for LNG ships.
The vessels are currently being constructed at three ship building yards in South Korea: Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) at Ulsan, Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) on Geoje Island and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) on Geoje Island.
The first eight vessels are due to be delivered during the winter of 2007/2008.
The steel cutting ceremony for HN 1675, the first Q-Max vessel, was held at Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) on Geoje Island.