Qatar LNG carrier owner Nakilat has posted a 7% rise in half-year earnings as its fleet expanded.
Net profit to 30 June was QAR 476m ($131m), compared to QAR 445m a year ago.
The company has 74 ships, including an FPSO and LPG carriers, and controls about 11.5% of the global LNG fleet in carrying capacity.
It said the acquisition of two LNG ships and the FPSO during 2018 increased earnings, while there were also bigger volumes of work at its Erhama Bin Jaber Al Jalahma Shipyard.
It repaired its 200th LNG vessel in the period.
Earlier this year, Nakilat added four LNG carriers through a joint venture with Greek owner John Angelicoussis.
The company said it has rationalised operational expenses.
CEO Abdullah Al Sulaiti said: "While we remain focused on achieving our strategic goals, we are also continually assessing the market and our current investments in relation to profitability to address any risk involved for the company and our shareholders.
"This enables us to prudently navigate anticipated or unexpected challenges, in an effort to steer the company forward as a global leader and provider of choice for energy transportation and maritime services.”
He added: “The huge demand for cleaner energy supports LNG trade growth, hence increases demand for LNG shipping industry. Nakilat strives to meet the growing energy transportation needs by capitalising on the potential investment opportunity in promising strategic projects.”
