[LNG Prime/July 8, 2024] Malaysian energy giant Petronas has added three new liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers to its fleet as it prepares for the launch of the Shell-led LNG Canada terminal in Kitimat, British Columbia.

According to a statement by Petronas released on Monday, the three vessels Puteri Sejinjang, Puteri Mahsuri, and Puteri Mayang were recently named at the HD Hyundai Heavy yard in Ulsan, South Korea. Malaysian embassy in South Korea said in a separate statement that the naming ceremony took place on July 1.

Back in 2021, Petronas signed long-term charter deals for these LNG carriers with Hyundai LNG Shipping. These ships were preceded by the delivery and naming of the first three vessels, Puteri Saadong, Puteri Ledang, and Puteri Santubong, in January 2024, Petronas said in the statement. Petronas said each of the vessels has a cargo capacity of 174,000 cbm.

Also, the total number of LNG vessels dedicated to Petronas’ operations in North America now stands at six ships. The state-owned company has a 25 percent stake in the giant LNG Canada project. According to Petronas, the facility is slated for start-up in the latter part of 2024.

Earlier this year, Shell’s CEO, Wael Sawan, said that the LNG Canada terminal is more than 90 percent complete and the project is preparing to launch commissioning activities later this year. This is the first large LNG export terminal in Canada.

Contractor JGC Fluor is constructing the first phase of the giant LNG Canada project that includes two liquefaction trains with a capacity of 14 mtpa in Kitimat, while the project partners are also considering a second phase.

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