January 27, 2009
MOL and Gulf LPG Transport of Qatar start VLGC Pool
TOKYO - Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President: Akimitsu Ashida) today announced the formation of a very large gas carrier (VLGC) pool called LPG Global Transport, along with *Gulf LPG Transport Company W.L.L. of Qatar (Gulf LPG). The pool will start operation immediately.
MOL and Gulf LPG have jointly incorporated LPG Global Transport Management Inc. to manage the pool's business operations.
Both MOL and Gulf LPG are bullish about the future expansion of global LPG seaborne trade, especially from Qatar. LPG Global Transport will be able to offer enhanced services to LPG charterers and create efficiencies by optimizing voyage costs through efficient deployment of the combined fleet. To serve its worldwide customers in the most flexible, economical, and reliable manner, LPG Global Transport will build and expand its fleet as shown below. Gulf LPG will add one new building in March 2009 and MOL will add seven new buildings to be delivered during the second half of 2009 and the first half of 2010 to LPG Global Transport.
*: Gulf LPG Transport Company W.L.L. is a limited liability joint venture company established by Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat) and Qatar Shipping Company.
| VESSEL NAME | CAPACITY | (to be) built | BUILDER | OWNER |
| GOHSHU | 71,913 M3 | 1990 | MHI | MOL |
| MUSASHI GLORIA | 75,178 M3 | 1993 | KHI | MOL |
| YUHSHO | 78,000 M3 | 1999 | MHI | MOL |
| GREAT TRIBUNE | 78,432 M3 | 1999 | MHI | MOL |
| CAPTAIN MARKOS NL | 82,000 M3 | 2006 | HHI | MOL |
| BU SIDRA | 82,200 M3 | 2008 | HHI | GULF LPG |
| UMM LAQHAB | 82,200 M3 | 2008 | HHI | GULF LPG |
| AL WUKIR | 82,200 M3 | 2008 | HHI | GULF LPG |
| <New Buildings> | ||||
| LUBARA | 82,200 M3 | March 2009 | HHI | GULF LPG |
| MUSANAH | 83,000 M3 | October 2009 | MHI | MOL |
| AQUAMARINE PROGRESS | 83,000 M3 | December 2009 | MHI | MOL |
| HISUI | 80,000 M3 | December 2009 | KHI | MOL |
| KOBAI | 82,000 M3 | December 2009 | HHI | MOL |
| YAMABUKI | 82,000 M3 | February 2010 | HHI | MOL |
| AYAME | 83,000 M3 | April 2010 | MHI | MOL |
| KIKYO | 82,000 M3 | April 2010 | HHI | MOL |
- MHI : Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
- KHI : Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.
- HHI : Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd
