Golar LNG Acquired Grace Dahlia for Conversion
The company purchased the LNG carrier from NYK Line to develop its fourth FLNG unit.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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Golar LNG has finalized an agreement to acquire the LNG carrier Grace Dahlia from NYK Line. The vessel will undergo a conversion into the company’s fourth floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) unit.
Why it matters
This acquisition enables Golar LNG to expand its production capacity for floating natural gas projects. The converted unit will feature significantly higher storage capabilities to improve operational flexibility.
The Grace Dahlia, built in 2013, possesses an LNG storage capacity of 177,427cbm. This new vessel provides approximately 20 percent more storage capacity than the existing Esperanza FLNG unit.
The players
Golar LNG
An international company based in Hamilton, Bermuda, that specializes in maritime LNG infrastructure and midstream energy services.
NYK Line
Nippon Yusen Kaisha is a major Japanese shipping company that operates a diverse fleet of vessels, including LNG carriers.
CIMC Raffles
A prominent shipyard group based in Yantai, China, that focuses on the construction and conversion of offshore energy equipment.
The details
The Grace Dahlia will be sent to the CIMC Raffles shipyard in Yantai, China, to begin its transformation into a MKII design FLNG unit. It will be converted alongside the Esperanza unit to streamline the fleet expansion process.
Timeline
The Grace Dahlia vessel was originally built in 2013.
Golar LNG placed the order for its fourth FLNG unit on August 12, 2026.
The acquisition of the carrier was officially announced on October 7, 2026.
The completed fourth FLNG unit is scheduled for redelivery in 2029.
Market Landscape
This move follows the technological precedent set by the Esperanza FLNG unit. The project represents a strategic effort to increase storage capacity by 20 percent across the Golar LNG fleet.
Increased FLNG capacity contributes to the global supply chain for natural gas, potentially influencing long-term energy availability. The investment indicates a continued focus on large-scale infrastructure to support international fuel delivery requirements.
The takeaway
Companies are increasingly repurposing existing maritime assets to accelerate the deployment of advanced energy infrastructure. This conversion strategy highlights the industry trend of prioritizing storage capacity to manage fluctuating natural gas demand.
Further reading
For more information on the global energy infrastructure market, see Oil and Gas.
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