# ADNOC global shipping and LNG expansion

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/adnoc-global-shipping-and-lng-expansion
> Updated: 2026-08-07T07:14:49.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026 ADNOC kept its LNG export operations running despite heightened security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz, highlighted a successful tanker passage with navigation devices disabled, and announced plans to enlarge its LNG carrier fleet. A week later the company’s logistics arm disclosed a US$1.3 billion purchase of eleven large vessels—five very large gas carriers and six very large crude carriers—to boost export capacity, while ADNOC Distribution confirmed a US$1 billion deal to acquire Shell’s downstream assets in South Africa.

By early August, ADNOC reported that 15 of its vessels had been hit by missiles and drones while transiting the strait since the conflict began, killing one crew member and injuring 20 others. Vessel traffic fell to roughly 10 % of pre‑war levels. The same fleet‑expansion programme continued, raising the VLCC fleet to 14 vessels and the VLGC fleet to 12, with nine ships slated for delivery in Q3 2026 and two new‑build VLGCs expected in Q4 2026, underscoring ADNOC’s effort to maintain shipping resilience amid heightened threats.

## Claims

- ADNOC Logistics & Services acquired five VLGCs and six VLCCs for about $1.3 billion. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The acquisition will increase ADNOC L&S's VLCC fleet to 14 vessels and VLGC fleet to 12. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Nine of the vessels (six VLCCs, three VLGCs) are scheduled for delivery in Q3 2026; two VLGCs are new‑builds to be delivered in Q4 2026. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- 15 of ADNOC's vessels have been attacked by missiles and drones in the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- One crew member was killed and 20 others injured in the attacks. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The tankers Mombasa B and Al Bahyah were struck by Iranian cruise missiles in Omani waters. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- ADNOC said it is working with authorities to protect its people, assets and operations while meeting customer requirements. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell to roughly 10% of pre‑war levels. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-07: ADNOC reports 15 vessel attacks and adds 11 tankers to fleet

ADNOC reports 15 vessel attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one crew member, while buying 11 tankers for $1.3 bn to expand its fleet.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/adnoc-expands-global-shipping-and-downstream-footprint-with-13-bn-vessel-purchase-and-1-bn-south-afr

### 2026-07-29: Woodside Energy and ADNOC Expand LNG Amid Middle East Shipping Risks

Woodside Energy’s revenue surged on higher oil prices while navigating Hormuz shipping risks, and ADNOC kept LNG exports flowing and expanded its fleet despite the same threats.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/woodside-energy-and-adnoc-expand-lng-amid-middle-east-shipping-risks

---
Cite as: ADNOC global shipping and LNG expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/adnoc-global-shipping-and-lng-expansion