Shipping Arabia, October 24, 2026 – Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has held a naming ceremony for the LNG carrier AL FANAR, the sixth of seven newbuild vessels ordered for QatarEnergy in 2022. The ceremony marks another milestone in MOL’s participation in QatarEnergy’s major LNG fleet expansion program.
The naming ceremony took place at the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. shipyard in China, where invited guests gathered to mark the occasion. The vessel is part of the seven-carrier order placed in 2022 under QatarEnergy’s LNG shipbuilding program.
AL FANAR Naming Ceremony in China
During the ceremony, the new LNG carrier officially received the name AL FANAR, meaning “Lantern” in Arabic. According to MOL, the name symbolizes light, guidance and hope, reflecting the historical significance of lanterns in maritime navigation.
Throughout history, lanterns have helped travelers navigate darkness and guided sailors safely home. MOL highlighted this symbolism as part of the vessel’s naming ceremony, emphasizing the lantern’s association with reassurance and guidance.
The ceremony concluded with the ceremonial cutting of a rope, marking the completion of the vessel’s official naming proceedings.
MOL’s QatarEnergy LNG Carrier Program to Reach 13 Vessels
Beyond the original seven LNG carriers ordered in 2022, MOL confirmed that six additional vessels have already been contracted under long-term time charter agreements with QatarEnergy.
These additional commitments will bring the total number of MOL LNG carriers introduced under QatarEnergy’s shipbuilding program to 13 vessels.
The naming of AL FANAR represents the sixth vessel from the initial seven-carrier order, while the additional six contracted carriers form part of MOL’s broader participation in QatarEnergy’s LNG fleet expansion.
Source: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL)
