Q-Max
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | Q-Max |
| Builders | Samsung Heavy Industries, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Company |
| Operators | Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat) |
| Built | c. 2007–present |
| In service | None as yet |
| Planned | 14 |
| Cancelled | - |
| Active | - |
| Lost | - |
| Retired | - |
| Preserved | - |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | LNG carrier |
| Length | 345 meters |
| Height | 34.7 meters |
| Capacity | 266,000 m3 |
Q-Max is a type of ship, specifically a membrane type liquefied natural gas carrier. It is the type of the largest LNG carriers in the world.[1][2] In the name Q-Max, "Q" stands for Qatar and "Max" for the maximum size of ship able to dock at the LNG terminals in Qatar.
Technical description
Q-Max is 345 metres (1,132 ft) long and measures 53.8 metres (177 ft) wide and 34.7 metres (114 ft) high.[2] It has a capacity of 266,000 m3.[3] It is propelled by two slow speed diesel engines, which are claimed to be more efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional steam turbines.[4] Q-Max vessels are equipped with an on-board re-liquefaction system to handle the boil-off gas, liquefy it and return the LNG to the cargo tanks.[5] The on-board re-liquefaction system allows a reduction of LNG losses, which produces economical and environmental benefits. Overall, it is estimated that Q-Max carriers have about 40% lower energy requirements and carbon emissions than conventional LNG carriers.[3][6]
Contractors
Q-Max LNG carriers were ordered in 2005.[2] They are to be built by Samsung Heavy Industries and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Company.[2][3] The installed re-liquefaction system is developed and delivered by Cryostar and approved and certified by LR.[5]
Ships
The first Q-Max LNG carrier was floated out of dry-dock in November 2007.[6] The naming ceremony was held on 11 July 2008 at Samsung Heavy Industries' shipyard on Geoje Island, South Korea.[1] Known before its naming ceremony as Hull 1675, the ship was named Mozah by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Nasser al-Misnad.[7] Mozah was delivered on 29 September 2008.[7][8] It is classed by Lloyd's Register.[1]
Q-Max LNG carriers are ordered by, and to be operated by the Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat), and would be chartered to Qatar's LNG producers Qatargas and RasGas.[1] In total, contracts have been signed for the construction of 14 Q-Max vessels.[9]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d "Qatargas, Nakilat Name World's Largest LNG Vessel". Downstream Today. 2008-07-11. Retrieved 2008-08-02.
- ^ a b c d Cho Jae-eun (2008-07-09). "Korea launches new tankers. Qatar-bound Mozah is the biggest LNG carrier ever built". Joongang Daily. Retrieved 2008-08-02.
- ^ a b c Pratap John (2008-02-24). "South Korea building 54 ships for Qatar". Gulf Times. Retrieved 2008-08-02.
- ^ "Qatargas' Q-Flex arrives in the United States". AME Info. 2008-06-24. Retrieved 2008-08-02.
- ^ a b Per Wiggo Richardsen (2006-12-04). "First reliquefaction plant installed on board an LNG carrier". DNV UK. Retrieved 2008-08-02.
- ^ a b "First LNG 'Mega-ship' Floats Out of Dry-dock". Downstream Today. 2007-11-19. Retrieved 2008-08-02.
- ^ a b "Qatar makes history with largest LNG ship". Gulf Times. 2008-07-12. Retrieved 2008-08-02.
- ^ "LNG carrier "Mozah" delivered to Qatargas and Nakilat". Qatar Gas. 2008-09-29. Retrieved 2008-11-28.
- ^ "Four Q-Flex LNG carriers to be named this week". The Peninsula. 2007-11-14. Retrieved 2008-08-02.