Qatar scraps plan for more Q-ship engine conversions

Qatar has abandoned plans for more of its huge Q-max and Q-flex LNG carrier fleet to burn regasified LNG as an alternative to heavy fuel oil.

Sources close to the long-running project say Qatari shipowner Nakilat and the vessels’ long-term charterers have taken the decision a year after they asked for bids on a second engine retrofit job.

The ships are on charter to ­domestic LNG producers Qatargas and RasGas.