The first-ever commercial ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo involving a Q-Flex LNG vessel has taken place at Subic Bay, Philippines, Qatargas Operating Company Limited's (Qatargas) statement said on Tuesday.
"We are delighted to announce this shipping breakthrough as it is for the first time that one of the largest LNG vessels, a Q-Flex, is involved in a commercial STS operation," Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani, the chief executive officer of Qatargas, was quoted as saying in the statement.
He said that this achievement would optimize Qatar's shipping capabilities by using its most efficient LNG vessels to shift considerable volumes into key high-value markets as efficiently as possible.
Moreover, he said it offers an attractive option for potential customers with limited shipping capacity and for those who are looking for smaller or irregular sized cargo parcels.
Mesaimeer, a full cargo of 212,000 cubic meters aboard the Qatargas-chartered Q-Flex vessel, was loaded at Ras Laffan Port on Dec. 18, 2020, and delivered as two separate parcel discharges to long-term LNG partner and customer, PetroChina.
On Jan. 6, one parcel in a STS transfer was delivered in Subic Bay 2021, and the second parcel was sent to the Jiangsu LNG terminal, China.
By Busranur Begcecanli
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr