By Anthony Di Paola

Feb 11, 2026 (Bloomberg) – The shipping division of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) is looking to order up to six new liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers as the company speeds up its expansion into global gas trading.

According to Chief Executive Officer Abdulkareem Al Masabi, Adnoc Logistics & Services Plc plans to commission four to six vessels to support the growing international business. This order would be in addition to the 14 LNG carriers already contracted for export projects in the United Arab Emirates.

This fleet expansion highlights Adnoc’s effort to establish a strong global gas presence. The firm’s international investment branch, XRG, has been investing in gas fields and export projects overseas while signing supply agreements. This is part of the UAE's strategy to make natural gas a key element of its economic development.

Al Masabi mentioned that the new tankers will be ordered this year, though he did not reveal how much they would cost. By expanding the fleet, Adnoc aims to have more flexibility in selling cargoes internationally instead of depending only on long-term contracts.

In addition, Adnoc L&S is increasing the number of vessels to accommodate the rising domestic export capacity. The company is set to receive two LNG carriers this year, joining the four it has already acquired, to transport gas from Abu Dhabi’s existing export terminal at Das Island. Another eight ships will support the new Ruwais LNG terminal currently under construction on the Gulf coast, which is expected to be completed in 2028.

Al Masabi also noted that tensions in the Red Sea have “calmed down,” although the route is still sensitive following months of attacks by Houthi forces linked to Iran, which led many shipping firms to steer clear of the area. However, some operators have recently started to resume or increase their routes through this corridor.