Qatar Gas Transport ordered and will operate the first of a new class of super-large LNG vessels, the "Q-Max," having the capacity to carry 266,000 cu m of LNG, almost 80% more cargo than conventional LNG ships. Designated as "Q-Max", Q for Qatar and Max for the maximum-size ship able to dock at that country's LNG terminals, the new vessels are expected to spearhead long-haul gas shipping to the US and Europe. The vessel has a length of 345 m, a breadth of 53.8 m, and a height of 34.71 m.

The Q-Max vessels feature slow-speed diesel engines that are more fuel and thermal-efficient than steam turbines with a 30% reduction in overall emissions. Improved economies of scale inherent in the much larger comparative load capacity also are expected to reduce shipping costs by 30%. Shipping by conventional vessels typically accounts for a third of the LNG price.

These new vessels will have many innovative features to maximize cargo deliveries and to ensure the highest levels of safety and reliability, some of which include:

Membrane type cargo containment system.
• Twin engines and shafts to ensure maximum propulsion safety and reliability, with reduced environmental footprint and twin rudders to ensure safety of navigation and maneuverability in confined waters.
• Slow speed diesel engines which are more thermally efficient than steam turbines and therefore burn less fuel, which will produce 30% lower overall emissions compared to traditional existing LNG carriers.
• Cargo re-liquefaction plants will return cargo boil off to the cargo tanks and therefore maximise the cargo delivery at the discharge port.
• Power generation plant has also been enhanced to provide sufficient reserve and thus ensure integrity of supply under all operating circumstances.
• Underwater coatings using the latest technology silicon anti-fouling system, which not only enhances the speed and performance of the vessel, but is also “friendly” to the marine environment since it does not release any biocides into the sea to prevent marine growth on the hull.
• Fire fighting specification calling for combinations of Hi-Ex foam, Hi-fog water systems and safer and cleaner fire extinguishing agents to eliminate the need for CO2 – a first for LNG ships.