Abu Dhabi’s ADNOC Logistics and Services said on Friday that it has acquired five very large gas carriers (VLGCs) and six very large crude carriers (VLCCs) for about $1.3bn (AED 4.8bn), expanding its gas and crude oil shipping capacity.
Nine vessels, including six VLCCs and three VLGCs, were acquired on the secondary market and are scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2026.
They will enter service with ADNOC immediately following delivery. The remaining two VLGCs are newbuild vessels acquired through a resale transaction from a Chinese shipyard, with delivery scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026.
The acquisitions will increase ADNOC L&S’ VLCC fleet to 14 and VLGC fleet to 12.
The company said the transactions will provide near-term operational and earnings potential while enhancing the scale, flexibility and resilience of its shipping platform.
“This US$1.3bn investment reflects the disciplined execution of our growth strategy and our commitment to building world-class maritime logistics capabilities for the energy sector,” said Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, chief executive officer of ADNOC L&S. “By adding 11 vessels, we are expanding our capacity to support ADNOC’s growing exports, serve customers in key markets and capture opportunities in international energy trade.”
Abu Dhabi-listed ADNOC Logistics & Services has a fleet portfolio of 900 plus owned, chartered and operated vessels, according to a fact sheet posted on its website.
Its key subsidiaries include Zakher Marine International Holdings (100% ownership), an Abu Dhabi-based owner and operator of self-propelled offshore support vessels, and Navig8 (80% ownership), a ship owner and commercial pools operator also offering bunkering and ship management solutions.
