SEOUL: Asyad Shipping, a subsidiary of Asyad Group, celebrated the naming of two liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, 'Muscat LNG' and 'Musandam LNG'. This represents a new strategic step that reflects the continuous expansion of its maritime fleet and enhances the Sultanate of Oman's presence in the global energy transport sector.
This achievement comes days after the inauguration of the giant oil tanker 'Bidbid', reflecting the accelerating growth of Asyad Shipping's fleet and the expansion of its investments in the transport, energy and maritime services sectors. This comes within the framework of an integrated logistics ecosystem that supports Asyad Group's position as a global provider of logistics solutions and keeps pace with the rapid developments in global maritime trade.
The official naming ceremony was held in the Republic of Korea under the auspices of Shaikh Dr Zakariya bin Hamad al Saadi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Republic of Korea.
The event was attended by Dr Ibrahim bin Bakhit al Nadhairi, CEO of Asyad Shipping, and Dr Amer bin Nasser al Mataani, CEO of Oman LNG Development Foundation, along with several members of the executive management from Asyad Shipping and Oman Liquefied Natural Gas (Oman LNG) Company.
The two carriers were built at the Hyundai Samho shipyard, one of the most prominent specialised shipyards globally, where they were designed according to the latest international standards in operational efficiency, safety and environmental sustainability. The two vessels are equipped with dual-fuel propulsion engines, which are considered modern, highly efficient technologies in fuel consumption and emission reduction, thereby contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
They were also equipped with advanced boil-off gas management technologies that reduce cargo loss and enhance operational efficiency, alongside advanced engineering designs that improve maritime performance and efficiency, in harmony with global trends towards sustainable maritime transport.
The addition of 'Muscat LNG' and 'Musandam LNG' represents a qualitative inclusion into Asyad Shipping's fleet and boosts its competitive capabilities in the LNG transport market, which is witnessing growing expansion driven by the global transition toward more sustainable and lower-carbon energy sources.
This expansion also reflects the growing role of the Sultanate of Oman as a regional and international hub in energy supply chains and maritime logistics services, leveraging its strategic location, advanced port network and accelerating investments in the maritime sector.
Shaikh Dr Zakariya bin Hamad al Saadi said: “The naming ceremony of the two carriers 'Muscat LNG' and 'Musandam LNG' represents the continuous growth in maritime capabilities and the energy sector in the Sultanate of Oman. It underscores the importance of international partnerships in supporting sustainable economic development and reflects the depth of the well-established bilateral relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Korea, which span over five decades of fruitful cooperation in various economic and strategic fields.”
For his part, Dr Ibrahim bin Bakhit al Nadhairi said: "The inauguration of 'Muscat LNG' and 'Musandam LNG' marks a new milestone in the journey of growth and expansion witnessed by Asyad Shipping, and confirms the company's commitment to enhancing the Sultanate of Oman's position in the global maritime transport and energy sectors. These carriers will also contribute to boosting the capacity to provide reliable, efficient, and sustainable transport solutions that meet the needs of global energy markets and the growing requirements of the local and international clients."
For his part, Dr Amer bin Nasser al Mataani said that this investment represents a strategic step within the efforts of Oman LNG Development Foundation to build a sustainable investment portfolio that supports vital, high-growth sectors, foremost of which are the energy, maritime services and logistics sectors. This step confirms the foundation's commitment to enhancing in-country value and expanding the economic impact of national investments by entering into qualitative projects that contribute to supporting energy supply chains and enhancing the competitiveness of the Sultanate of Oman as a regional hub for logistics and energy.
This expansion is part of Asyad Shipping's long-term strategy to enhance its international competitiveness and support the targets of Oman Vision 2040 by developing the maritime transport and logistics sector and increasing the sector's contribution to the national economy. - ONA
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
