Qatargas announced a milestone when Al Safliya became the first Q-Flex type LNG vessel and largest LNG vessel by cargo capacity, to transit the Panama Canal. Al Safliya has a cargo carrying capacity of 210,000 cubic metres of LNG, a length of 315 metres and width of 50 metres. It completed the 82-km transit on May 21 and established the new world record.
Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President & CEO of Qatar Petroleum, H E Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, said: “Qatar is committed to enhancing the depth and flexibility of our global LNG supply portfolio even further, and this milestone achievement will undoubtedly lead to future business opportunities.”
Qatargas CEO Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani said “This achievement illustrates our commitment to premier performance and leading the LNG industry. At Qatargas, we continuously strive to innovate and optimise our business to meet the needs of current and future customers.”
This achievement followed months of planning by Qatargas and vessel operator Pronav Ship Management Gmbh, as well as close collaboration with the Panama Canal Authority (ACP). The Panama Canal was expanded in 2016 through the completion of new ‘Neopanamax locks’, thereby allowing LNG vessels to pass through the canal. In April 2018, the ACP announced it would accommodate vessels up to 51.25 metres wide, opening the prospect for Qatargas’ Q-Flex vessels to transit.
The successful transit of Al Safliya through the Panama Canal creates future triangulation opportunities for the 31 Qatari Q-Flex vessels, allowing them to discharge cargoes in the Pacific Basin and then proceed to the Atlantic Basin to load.