Qatar halts the sale of 10 LNG tankers due to market shifts, keeping older vessels operational amidst growing global LNG demand.
The planned sale of 10 LNG tankers equipped with steam turbine propulsion systems, controlled by Qatar-linked companies, has been suspended. It is reported that these tankers, which were previously on the agenda for decommissioning and scrapping, may be kept in service due to changing market and operational conditions.
Developments in the international LNG transportation market have brought plans regarding the future of older generation vessels back into focus. At least one of the vessels whose sale process has been halted is reported to be used by Qatar's state energy company QatarEnergy for cargo transportation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The sale plan for the ten LNG tankers has been postponed.
A new development has occurred in the sale process of the 10 LNG tankers controlled by Qatar-linked entities.
The suspension of sales for vessels equipped with steam turbine propulsion systems indicates that tankers previously considered for decommissioning may continue their commercial operations.
These vessels are among the older technology tankers that have been used for many years in LNG transportation but operate with higher fuel consumption compared to new generation dual-fuel propulsion systems.
It remains unclear whether the suspension of sales is a temporary decision or reflects a permanent fleet policy change aimed at operating the vessels for a longer period.
One tanker transported cargo through the Strait of Hormuz.
It has been reported that one of the vessels included in the sales plan was used by QatarEnergy for LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
This development shows that despite security issues in the region, some LNG vessels are able to continue their commercial activities.
The Strait of Hormuz is critically important for delivering Qatar's LNG exports to international markets.
Military tensions and restrictions on maritime transportation in the region are affecting the scheduling of LNG vessels and the available fleet capacity.
The future of older generation LNG vessels is being discussed.
Steam turbine LNG tankers were widely used during the developmental phase of liquefied natural gas transportation.
In these vessels, the gas that naturally evaporates from the LNG cargo could be utilized as fuel, providing an important operational advantage.
However, over time, the dual-fuel diesel-electric and modern two-stroke engine systems that have been developed have surpassed steam turbine vessels in terms of fuel efficiency.
As a result, the operating costs of older generation LNG tankers have become a significant factor in competing with modern vessels.
With the addition of new LNG vessels to the fleet, some shipowners are considering options to sell or decommission their older ships.
Qatar's LNG shipments have been affected by the Hormuz crisis.
Qatar's LNG exports were significantly disrupted in 2026 due to security issues in the Strait of Hormuz.
While QatarEnergy extended the force majeure application for LNG deliveries to some Asian customers, it turned to short-term leasing of some vessels in its fleet to third parties.
The company's evaluation of its LNG transportation capacity in various commercial connections has led to a reorganization of vessel usage during export disruptions in the region.
The latest development regarding the planned sale of the 10 LNG tankers has emerged in this changing operational environment.
The economic lifespan of vessels in LNG transportation is determined by their technical condition, as well as fuel consumption, maintenance costs, freight rates, and new transportation contracts.
Although steam turbine vessels have higher operating costs compared to modern LNG tankers, they can still be used for certain transportation needs.
The suspension of the sale process for the ten Qatar-linked tankers indicates that decisions regarding the future of these vessels have not yet been finalized.
It remains unclear whether all of the vessels will be operated under long-term contracts again or whether sales plans will be revisited in the future.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
