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Q-Max
Q-Max
from Wikipedia
Class overview
NameQ-Max
Builders
Builtc. 2007–2010
In serviceMozah,[1] Al Mayeda,[2] Mekaines,[3] Al Mafyar,[3] Umm Slal, Bu Samra,[4][5] Al-Ghuwairiya,[4] Lijmiliya,[6] Al Samriya, Al Dafna, Shagra, Zarga, Aamira,[7] Rasheeda[8]
Planned14
Completed14
Cancelled-
Active14
Lost-
Retired-
Preserved-
General characteristics
TypeLNG carrier
Length345 m (1,132 ft)
Beam53.8 m (177 ft)
Height34.7 m (114 ft)
Draft12 m (39 ft)
Installed power21,770 kW at 91 rpm, per engine[9]
Propulsion2 × MAN B&W 7S70ME-C two-stroke low speed diesel burning HFO, electronically controlled[9]
Speed19 kt
Capacity266,000 m3 (9,400,000 cu ft)

Q-Max is a type of ship, specifically a membrane type LNG carrier. In the name Q-Max, "Q" stands for Qatar and "Max" for the maximum size of ship able to dock at the Liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in Qatar. Ships of this type are the largest LNG carriers in the world.[1][10]

Technical description

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Comparison of bounding box of Q-max with some other ship sizes in isometric view.

A ship of Q-Max size is 345 metres (1,132 ft) long and measures 53.8 metres (177 ft) wide and 34.7 metres (114 ft) high, with a draft of approximately 12 metres (39 ft).[10][11]

It has an LNG capacity of 266,000 cubic metres (9,400,000 cu ft), equal to 161,994,000 cubic metres (5.7208×109 cu ft) of natural gas. It is propelled by two slow speed diesel engines burning HFO, which are claimed to be more efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional steam turbines.[12] In case of engine failure, the failed engine can be de-coupled allowing the ship to maintain a speed of 14 knots.[13]

LNG is stored at around -162°C.[14] 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.[15] The on-board re-liquefaction system allows a reduction of LNG losses, which produces economic and environmental benefits.

Overall, it is estimated that Q-Max carriers have about 40% lower energy requirements and carbon emissions than conventional LNG carriers.[16][17] The quoted estimates do however ignore the additional fuel used to re-liquify boil off gas rather than burn the gas for fuel. The ships run on Heavy fuel oil (HFO), but the Rasheeda was retrofitted with gas-burning ability in 2015.[18]

Contractors

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The Q-Max LNG carriers were ordered in 2005.[10] They were built by Samsung Heavy Industries and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering.[10][16] The installed Boil Off Gas re-liquefaction system (Ecorel) is developed and delivered by Cryostar, and approved and certified by Lloyds Register.[19]

A Moss-type (not Q-Max type) LNG tanker, side view

Ships

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The first Q-Max LNG carrier was floated out of dry-dock in November 2007.[17] 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 Sheikha Mozah Nasser al-Misnad.[20] Mozah was delivered on 29 September 2008.[20][21] It is classed by Lloyd's Register.[1] The first trip by a Q-Max tanker was completed by Mozah itself on 11 January 2009, when the tanker delivered 266,000 cubic metres of LNG to the Port of Bilbao BBG Terminal. Days before, the vessel had transited the Suez Canal for the first time.[22]

4 Q-Max LNG carriers are operated by the STASCo (Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Ltd, London part of Shell International and 10 by NSQL (Nakilat Shipping Qatar Limited). They are owned by Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat) and they are chartered to Qatar's LNG producers QatarEnergy LNG.[1] In total, contracts were signed for the construction of 14 Q-Max vessels.[23]

Fourteen sister vessels are in service named: Mozah, Al Mayeda, Mekaines, Al Mafyar, Umm Slal, Bu Samra, Al Ghuwairiya, Lijmiliya, Al Samriya, Al Dafna, Shagra, Zarga, Aamira, and Rasheeda.[24][25] All 14 Q-Max ships were delivered in 2008 through 2010.

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
A Q-Max is a class of ultra-large membrane-type (LNG) carriers, designed to maximize capacity while fitting the dimensions of Qatar's Ras Laffan , with "Q" denoting and "Max" signifying their maximum size capabilities. These vessels, owned and operated primarily by through its shipping arm , hold the distinction of being the world's largest LNG carriers, boasting a capacity of up to 266,000 cubic meters—about 80% more than conventional LNG ships of around 145,000 to 155,000 cubic meters. The Q-Max class originated in the mid-2000s as part of Qatar's ambitious expansion of its LNG export infrastructure, with the first orders placed in 2005 to support the North Field gas development project, the world's largest reserve. of the initial 14 vessels was awarded to South Korean shipyards Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, , and Hyundai Heavy Industries, with deliveries commencing in 2007 and full operations by 2008, marking a significant advancement in LNG shipping . These ships feature advanced membrane containment systems using reinforced insulation for efficient LNG storage at -162°C, dual- diesel for reduced emissions (approximately 40% lower than conventional designs), and energy-efficient hull forms that cut consumption by approximately 40% compared to traditional carriers. Measuring 345 meters in , 53.8 meters in beam, and with a draft of 12 meters, Q-Max vessels can achieve speeds of up to 19 knots. They transport LNG from to global markets, including , , and the , enhancing efficiency and reducing transportation costs by 20-30%. In recent years, has expanded the class through its fleet expansion program, which surpassed 100 vessels in , ordering additional Q-Max and enhanced QC-Max variants (with capacities up to 271,000 cubic meters and recognized as the largest LNG carriers); notable contracts include 18 vessels from in valued at around $5 billion and six more QC-Max units in September , bringing the total under construction to 24 supersized carriers set for delivery from 2028 onward as of 2025. This expansion underscores Q-Max's pivotal role in meeting rising global LNG demand amid energy transitions.

Introduction

Definition and Naming

The Q-Max is a class of membrane-type liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers engineered to achieve the maximum vessel size compatible with the infrastructure at Qatar's Ras Laffan port facilities. These ships represent the pinnacle of LNG carrier design tailored for efficient large-scale operations within specific terminal constraints. The nomenclature "Q-Max" originates from its association with , where the "Q" denotes the commissioning nation, and "Max" signifies the largest permissible dimensions for berthing at Qatari LNG terminals. This naming convention underscores the vessels' bespoke development to align with Qatar's export ambitions. Primarily, Q-Max carriers serve to transport oversized LNG cargoes, enhancing the efficiency of Qatar's exports derived from the vast North Field gas reserves. By maximizing payload per voyage, they support streamlined logistics from Ras Laffan to global markets. This class forms part of Qatar's broader LNG fleet strategy, alongside the smaller Q-Flex vessels for varied operational needs.

Role in Global LNG Trade

Q-Max vessels have played a pivotal role in bolstering Qatar's status as one of the world's leading LNG exporters, with their introduction enabling the transport of significantly larger volumes compared to earlier fleet standards. By offering over 80% greater cargo capacity than conventional LNG carriers of approximately 140,000–150,000 m³, these ships allow to efficiently deliver up to 266,000 m³ per voyage, supporting the country's annual production capacity of around 77 million tonnes of LNG. This enhanced capacity has been instrumental in maintaining Qatar's competitive edge in the global market, where it ranked as the second- or third-largest exporter by volume as of 2025, behind the and . The economic advantages of Q-Max carriers stem from substantial , which reduce transportation costs per unit of LNG by approximately 20-30% relative to smaller vessels through lower and optimized . This cost efficiency has facilitated Qatar's negotiation of long-term supply contracts with key buyers in —such as , , and —and increasingly in , where demand for flexible, large-volume deliveries has grown amid concerns. Complementing the slightly smaller Q-Flex class, Q-Max vessels ensure a versatile fleet capable of meeting diverse contractual obligations while minimizing overall shipping expenses. Launched in amid a period of surging global LNG demand driven by industrialization in emerging economies and a shift toward cleaner fuels, Q-Max carriers arrived at a critical juncture that amplified their strategic value. Their deployment coincided with LNG trade volumes nearly doubling from 2000 to 2010, prompting infrastructure adaptations worldwide and influencing the of fleets around larger vessel classes to accommodate mega-terminals designed for high-capacity berths. This has set a benchmark for efficiency in the industry, encouraging terminal expansions in regions like the , , and to handle Q-Max-sized ships and sustain the growth of international LNG flows.

Design and Specifications

Dimensions and Cargo Capacity

Q-Max vessels represent the largest class of (LNG) carriers, with principal dimensions optimized for maximum cargo volume while adhering to specific port infrastructure limits. These ships measure 345 in length , 53.8 in beam, 27 in depth, and have a design draft of 12 . These measurements enable the vessels to navigate key LNG export terminals without requiring extensive or modifications to existing facilities. The cargo capacity of a Q-Max vessel is 266,000 cubic meters of LNG, which is equivalent to approximately 70 million gallons and expands to about 162 million cubic meters of upon . This substantial volume underscores their role in efficient bulk transport, providing enough gas to meet the heating and power needs of roughly 70,000 average U.S. households for an entire year. For context, this exceeds the 210,000 cubic meter capacity of the smaller Q-Flex class by over 25 percent. These dimensions and capacities were specifically tailored to the constraints of Qatar's harbor, where the Q-Max designation denotes the maximum vessel size capable of berthing at the LNG terminals without infrastructural alterations. The beam and draft limits, in particular, reflect the harbor's channel width and depth parameters, ensuring operational compatibility while maximizing efficiency.

Propulsion and Containment Systems

The propulsion system of Q-Max vessels features two MAN B&W 7S70ME-C two-stroke low-speed diesel engines, each rated at 21,770 kW at 91 rpm, providing the primary power for the ship's movement. These engines drive fixed-pitch propellers and enable a service speed of 19.5 knots, ensuring efficient transit across global routes while maintaining through electronic control for optimized . For enhanced maneuverability, particularly in congested ports, the vessels incorporate thrusters, which allow 360-degree for precise directional control and redundancy during docking operations. The containment system employs the Mark III membrane technology developed by Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT), designed specifically for large-scale LNG storage with minimal thermal leakage. This system comprises a primary barrier of corrugated 304L membrane (1.2 mm thick), supported by prefabricated insulation panels made of reinforced (density 130 kg/m³) sandwiched between plywood layers, and a secondary composite barrier for added leak-tightness. The insulation thickness of 400 mm effectively manages boil-off gas generation, limiting the daily boil-off rate to 0.10% of cargo volume, which helps preserve cargo integrity during voyages. Integrated reliquefaction systems, supplied by Cryostar, complement the setup by recapturing boil-off gases from the cargo tanks through compression and subsequent reliquefaction using a closed-cycle process. These fully automated plants return the reliquefied LNG to the tanks, minimizing cargo evaporation losses to near zero and reducing by preventing or excessive fuel use. This innovation, first implemented across the Q-Max fleet in , enhances environmental compliance and operational economics without relying on boil-off gas as boiler fuel.

Development and Construction

Historical Development

The development of the Q-Max class of LNG carriers began in the early 2000s, spearheaded by to significantly expand production capacity from the North Field, the world's largest non-associated reservoir, amid rapidly rising global demand for LNG as a cleaner energy source. This initiative aimed to optimize transportation efficiency for Qatar's ambitious expansion of LNG exports, leveraging the country's vast reserves to meet international needs driven by concerns and environmental shifts away from and . The Q-Max design emerged as a response to the constraints of existing LNG carriers, which typically had capacities around 125,000–145,000 cubic meters and were limited in scale for high-volume, long-distance voyages; the new class targeted vessels with up to 266,000 cubic meters capacity, sized to the maximum dimensions allowable for Qatar's Ras Laffan port infrastructure while prioritizing dedicated LNG trade routes, even if incompatible with many global terminals. Orders for 14 Q-Max vessels were placed in 2005, marking a pivotal step in this expansion. Subsequent milestones included the first in August 2007 at in , initiating construction of these innovative carriers designed for enhanced safety, reduced emissions, and cost-effective delivery. The project aligned closely with Qatar's National Vision 2030, a strategic framework for economic diversification through sustainable hydrocarbon development and positioning the nation as a premier global LNG exporter. Paralleling Q-Max, the Q-Flex class was developed for added operational flexibility in port access.

Shipyards and Key Contractors

The Q-Max class of LNG carriers was constructed primarily by two South Korean shipyards: and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering. These shipyards were selected for their expertise in large-scale LNG vessel production, enabling the completion of the fleet between 2007 and 2010. The owner and operator of the Q-Max fleet is Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat), a of , which oversees the vessels' chartering to LNG producers. Classification services were provided by , ensuring compliance with international safety and design standards for these ultra-large carriers. Key equipment suppliers included Cryostar, which furnished reliquefaction plants to manage boil-off gas efficiently across the fleet, and MAN Energy Solutions, which supplied the dual slow-speed diesel engines (S70-ME models) for propulsion. The original construction contracts for the 14 Q-Max vessels, awarded in the mid-2000s, reflected the scale of the project and the adoption of modular construction techniques that enhanced build efficiency and reduced assembly time at the shipyards.

Fleet Composition

Original Q-Max Vessels

The original Q-Max fleet consists of 14 vessels delivered between 2008 and 2010, representing the inaugural series of these ultra-large LNG carriers designed to maximize capacity for Qatar's export needs. These ships were constructed exclusively by two South Korean shipyards: and , with deliveries commencing with the Mozah from in September 2008 and concluding with the from Daewoo in August 2010. All vessels are named after prominent Qatari women, honoring cultural figures and leaders. The complete list of original Q-Max vessels is as follows:
Vessel NameBuilderDelivery Date
MozahSamsung Heavy IndustriesSeptember 2008
Al DafnaDaewoo ShipbuildingDecember 2008
Bu SamraSamsung Heavy IndustriesDecember 2008
MekainesSamsung Heavy Industries2009
Al MafyarDaewoo Shipbuilding2009
Al GhuwarriyaDaewoo Shipbuilding2009
Umm SlalSamsung Heavy Industries2009
AamiraDaewoo Shipbuilding2010
Al MayedaSamsung Heavy Industries2010
LijmiliyaSamsung Heavy Industries2010
Al SamriyaDaewoo Shipbuilding2010
RasheedaDaewoo ShipbuildingAugust 2010
ShagraDaewoo Shipbuilding2010
ZargaSamsung Heavy Industries2010
All 14 vessels are wholly owned by Qatar's (Qatar Gas Transport Company), the world's largest owner of LNG carriers, and are deployed under long-term time charters to for the transportation of . Initially, four of these ships were technically managed by Shell's STASCo (Shell International Trading and Shipping Company), while the remaining ten were operated by Shipping (Qatar) Ltd. (NSQL); over time, management of the STASCo-operated vessels has transitioned to NSQL for full in-house control. These original Q-Max vessels uniformly adhere to the stringent class society standards set by bodies such as and Det Norske Veritas, ensuring compliance with international maritime regulations for safety, stability, and environmental performance, though minor variations exist due to sequential build adjustments at the respective shipyards.

Recent and Planned Additions

In 2024, QatarEnergy signed contracts with (CSSC) for the construction of 24 QC-Max vessels—18 in April valued at approximately $6 billion and an additional six in September—as part of its fleet expansion program to meet growing global LNG demand. These vessels are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2031, enhancing Qatar's maritime logistics for increased LNG exports. The new QC-Max design incorporates slight refinements over the original Q-Max series, measuring 344 meters in length and 53.6 meters in beam, with five cargo tanks capable of holding approximately 271,000 cubic meters of LNG. Advanced energy-efficient technologies, such as optimized systems and enhanced insulation, are integrated to reduce emissions and improve , alongside bolstered features like improved boil-off gas management. These 24 QC-Max vessels, the largest LNG carriers ever built, will support QatarEnergy's strategic goal to elevate its LNG export capacity from 77 million tonnes per annum to 142 million tonnes per annum by 2030, aligning with global demands for reliable, lower-carbon supplies during the . The program addresses rising international needs for LNG while prioritizing environmental in fleet modernization.

Operations and Impact

Deployment and Routes

Q-Max vessels primarily operate on routes originating from Qatar's terminal, delivering (LNG) to key importing nations in and . In , destinations include major terminals in , , and , where cargoes support high-demand markets; for instance, voyages to Japanese ports such as those operated by typically span approximately 24 days. European routes target facilities in the UK, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain, with transit times ranging from 15 to 20 days depending on the destination and routing via the . Q-Max vessels have also delivered to terminals in the , including the , with the first such voyage occurring in 2009 and facilitated by the expanded since 2016. These routes enable to fulfill long-term supply contracts with importers like utilities in and , as well as European hubs. Due to their substantial dimensions—345 meters in length overall and 53.5 meters in beam—Q-Max carriers are limited to deep-water LNG terminals capable of accommodating large-scale berthing and sufficient draft depths of at least 12 meters. Compatible ports include South Hook LNG in the UK, which received its first Q-Max vessel, Mozah, in 2009, and the Isle of Grain terminal, which welcomed Bu Samra in 2011 following jetty upgrades. In , the Montoir-de-Bretagne terminal hosted its inaugural Q-Max arrival in October 2020, marking a milestone for continental European infrastructure adaptations. Other suitable facilities encompass in and in , ensuring safe navigation and unloading without requiring vessel modifications. These restrictions necessitate careful route planning to avoid shallower or narrower ports, prioritizing terminals with enhanced and capabilities. Q-Max operations leverage a time-charter model, where secures long-term agreements with shipowners to maintain high vessel utilization rates exceeding 85%, often approaching 95% through optimized scheduling. occurs predominantly at Ras Laffan to reduce intermediate stops, minimizing downtime and enhancing overall efficiency on transoceanic voyages. This approach supports consistent cargo delivery across the fleet of 14 Q-Max vessels, ensuring reliable coverage of primary routes without excessive idling.

Technological Upgrades and Significance

In 2015, the Q-Max vessel Rasheeda underwent a pioneering retrofit to convert its propulsion system to dual-fuel capability, marking the world's first such modification for a low-speed marine diesel engine. The upgrade involved replacing two MAN B&W S70ME-C heavy fuel oil (HFO) engines with dual-fuel ME-GI engines, enabling the use of boil-off gas (BOG) from the cargo as engine fuel alongside diesel. This retrofit, completed by Nakilat in collaboration with MAN Diesel & Turbo, achieved significant emission reductions, including up to approximately 23% in CO2, up to 85% in particulate matter, and nearly eliminating SOx emissions due to the low-sulfur nature of LNG. Future Q-Max newbuilds hold potential for integration of battery-hybrid systems to further optimize energy use during peak loads and port maneuvers, as explored in propulsion studies for large LNG carriers. Q-Max vessels incorporate advanced safety features inherent to their membrane-type design, including a double-hull structure that enhances collision and grounding resistance by providing an additional barrier for cargo containment. Boil-off management systems, such as onboard reliquefaction plants, prevent excessive BOG venting by compressing and reliquefying the gas for return to cargo tanks or use as fuel, maintaining cargo integrity over long voyages. Post-retrofit vessels like Rasheeda comply with the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), which mandates stringent requirements for fuel storage, handling, and fire protection in gas-fueled ships. The Q-Max class has established benchmarks for ultra-large LNG carriers, pushing industry standards toward greater with capacities up to 266,000 cubic meters, influencing subsequent designs by major operators including Shell and in their pursuit of efficient, high-volume . By enabling more efficient LNG delivery, Q-Max vessels have supported LNG's expansion as a transitional in the global energy mix, contributing to reduced reliance on and in power generation and industry by 2025.

References

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