Reuters is reporting that a Q-Flex class LNG tanker, the world’s second largest class of carrier, is due to travel through the Panama Canal for the first time.
The Al Safliyah is on a long-term charter to Qatargas and has a capacity of 210 000 m3 of LNG. It is currently en route to Panama after delivering a cargo from Qatar to KOGAS’ Tongyeong terminal.
The canal’s expansion in 2018 has made the transit of this size of vessel possible, however it is still reportedly unable to accommodate the largest class of LNG carrier (Q-Max – 266 000 m3).