Samsung Heavy Industries Expands Retrofit and Aftermarket Partnership with Qatar Shipyard at LNG 2026

Samsung Heavy Industries announced on 4 February 2026 that it has signed a business cooperation memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Qatar Shipyard Technology Solutions (QSTS) during LNG 2026, one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) conferences and exhibitions, held in Doha, Qatar.

QSTS, a subsidiary of Nakilat, the world’s largest LNG shipping company, is a state-owned shipyard located in eastern Qatar with a proven track record of repairing more than 2,000 vessels, including LNG carriers.

Under the new MOU, Samsung Heavy Industries will prioritize cooperation with QSTS in ship retrofitting and aftermarket (AM) services. The partnership aims to focus on eco-friendly retrofit projects, including decarbonization, energy reduction, and onboard carbon capture systems, as well as digital solutions. Both companies will also explore potential cooperation on newbuild projects for small offshore vessels and special-purpose ships.

Samsung Heavy Industries expects the partnership to strengthen its presence in the Middle East, leveraging QSTS’s facilities and network. The collaboration aligns with the rising global demand for eco-friendly ship conversions and the expansion of offshore development projects in Qatar and across the region. Specific business initiatives will be finalized in the near future.

Choi Sung-an, vice chairman and CEO of Samsung Heavy Industries, participated in LNG 2026 and discussed potential collaborations with major global energy corporations, including QatarEnergy LNG and ExxonMobil.

Namgung Geum-seong, executive vice president and shipyard head at Samsung Heavy Industries, said, “Business cooperation with QSTS will be an important milestone for Samsung Heavy Industries’ global expansion. We will further strengthen our business competitiveness through proactive global operations.”