ع
ADNOC Logistics & Services is investing $1.3 billion to acquire 11 vessels as part of its fleet expansion program, the company said in a statement. The deal includes five very large gas carriers and six very large crude carriers that will enhance capacity for global crude oil and gas transport. Nine vessels acquired from the secondary market, consisting of six crude carriers and three gas carriers, are due to join the fleet in the third quarter of 2026. Those ships will start operating for ADNOC right away, adding capacity during the current financial year. Two further gas carriers, secured as newbuilds in a resale deal with a Chinese shipyard, will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The acquisition will increase ADNOC L&S’s very large crude carrier fleet to 14 vessels and its very large gas carrier fleet to 12, according to the statement. Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi said, “This $1.3 billion investment reflects the disciplined execution of our growth strategy and our commitment to building world-class maritime logistics capabilities for the energy sector.” The CEO added in the statement that by adding 11 vessels the group is expanding its capacity to support ADNOC’s growing exports, serve customers in key markets and capture opportunities in international energy trade. Al Masabi noted that the strong financial position and cash generation enable the company to invest in growth and deliver sustainable shareholder value.
This latest move builds on ADNOC L&S’s prior fleet investments, including a $900 million order for four LNG carriers placed earlier in 2026, company announcements show. The maritime logistics provider has more than doubled its owned fleet since its initial public offering in 2023, an ADNOC L&S presentation to investors indicated. Such growth supports ADNOC’s target to boost crude production capacity to 5 million barrels per day by 2030, according to ADNOC figures. The expanded shipping resources will aid in managing higher trading and export volumes across the group’s energy chain.
ADNOC L&S operates as the integrated logistics arm of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, providing shipping, maritime and supply chain services. The company maintains one of the largest and most diversified fleets in the Middle East with capabilities spanning tankers, bulk carriers and specialized vessels, ADNOC L&S data shows. Recent strategic partnerships have further extended its reach into new markets and service lines while the $1.3 billion investment adds immediate operational flexibility. The vessels will begin contributing to earnings in the current financial year in most cases.
The company said the additional tonnage aligns with ADNOC Group’s expansion of downstream activities, trading and exports. ADNOC L&S lifted its 2026 guidance after first-half profits rose to $222 million, according to its latest earnings report. This acquisition forms part of ongoing efforts to modernize the fleet with efficient vessels capable of serving key international routes.
