To promote liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel within the maritime and offshore industry a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed today between DNV GL and Qatar’s premier shipyard Nakilat-Keppel Offshore & Marine (N-KOM).

The signing ceremony took place during DNV GL’s 150th anniversary celebrations in Dubai, at which N-KOM’s CEO Chandru Rajwani and Dr Henrik Madsen, DNV GL’s Group President and Chief Executive Officer, signed the memorandum.

The MOU will further strengthen the position of N-KOM, which is a joint-venture between Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat) and Keppel Offshore & Marine, in the areas of LNG-fuelled vessel conversions and construction of related floating assets. N-KOM will capitalize on DNV GL’s deep competence and long-standing experience in LNG, working with shipyards, ship owners and other key stakeholders on a global basis to develop synergies related to the promotion of LNG as fuel within the maritime and offshore industry.

“Qatar is the single largest producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas in the world and has become a leading cluster for gas related activities. Therefore, we look forward to establishing a valuable partnership with N-KOM which further cements our strong market position on LNG as fuel in this region and benefits the environment by making the shipping industry greener,” said Dr Henrik Madsen.

Mr Chandru Rajwani said, “N-KOM has already established itself as a leading destination for gas carrier repairs in the region. With the signing of this MOU, we take a significant step further in becoming the preferred gas solutions provider on a global scale. Through mutually sharing our knowledge on latest technology, environmental, safety and quality issues with DNV GL, we will be able to offer our customers an even wider range of solutions and facilities for liquefied natural gas as marine fuel and other gas solutions.”

As part of the agreement DNV GL and N-KOM will cooperate, amongst others, on the development and newbuilding of bunker barges, of coolant barges for temporary gas storage as well as to promote the use of LNG as fuel in the offshore sector. Moreover, a training program is to be conducted in the N-KOM facility on LNG carrier or LNG-fuelled vessel repairs. Finally, both partners will offer project management support for conversion projects to third party yards.

About DNV GL

DNV GL is the largest classification society in the world and dates back to 1864. Driven by the purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, the company enables organizations to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. Operating in more than 100 countries, DNV GL’s 16,000 professionals are dedicated to helping their customers in the maritime, oil & gas, energy and other industries to make the world safer, smarter and greener.

About Nakilat-Keppel Offshore & Marine (N-KOM)

Established in 2007, N-KOM is a joint venture between Qatar’s premier gas shipper Nakilat and leading offshore rig constructor and ship repairer Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd. From its strategic location in the heart of the Arabian Gulf and within the world-class Erhama Bin Jaber Al Jalahma Shipyard complex, N-KOM offers a comprehensive range of repair, conversion, maintenance and fabrication services for marine vessels, offshore and onshore structures.