AW Shipping, the joint venture of ADNOC L&S and Wanhua Chemical Group, has taken delivery of Gas Yongjiang, the first of nine state-of-the-art Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLECs) from Jiangnan Shipyard in China.
The vessel will commence operations under a 20-year time charter agreement. The remaining eight VLECs are scheduled for delivery between 2025 and 2027.
Upon full deployment, the fleet is projected to generate approximately $4 billion (AED 14.7 billion) in revenue through long-term contracts totaling 180 years. Once all nine vessels are delivered, AW Shipping will operate one of the world’s largest VLEC fleets.
Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi Chairman – AW Shipping, CEO – ADNOC L&S
“The delivery of Gas Yongjiang, the first VLEC to join the AW Shipping fleet, marks a significant milestone in our fleet expansion and entry into the global ethane shipping market. These nine vessels, purpose-built to transport ethane, a critical feedstock for the global petrochemical industry, will boost our capacity to meet growing demand, particularly in fast-growing Asian markets and reinforce our leadership in lower-carbon energy transport.”
Lin Ou, Chairman of Jiangnan Shipyard, commented that, “The naming of Gas Yongjiang and Al Reef reflects Jiangnan Shipyard’s commitment to building intelligent, high-value, and energy-efficient vessels. Backed by the trust of ADNOC L&S and Wanhua Chemical, we continue to pursue joint innovation and customer-focused collaboration to unlock new possibilities in intelligent manufacturing.”
Gas Yongjiang is one of the world’s largest ethane carriers, with a capacity of 98,000 cubic meters. The vessel has optimized hull designs and integrated energy-saving technologies significantly reduce emissions, driving sustainable, value-driven growth.
ADNOC L&S also received Al Reef, the third of six state-of-the-art LNG carriers from Jiangnan Shipyard. The arrival of the vessel underscores the company’s strategy to modernize its gas fleet and strengthen its role in meeting global energy demand.
The naming and delivery ceremony of both vessels was attended by senior executives from ADNOC L&S, Wanhua Chemical Group, and Jiangnan Shipyard. Sharifa Al Mulla, the ceremonial sponsor of both vessels, is the first Emirati female officer to serve aboard the ADNOC L&S commercial shipping fleet.
