Qatar is in discussions about retro­fitting all of its Q-Flex and Q-Max LNG carriers to burn gas in their main engines in preparation for the 2020 emissions regulations.

Industry sources told TradeWinds that talks are underway with MAN Energy Solutions, which retrofitted the 267,335-cbm Q-Max Rasheeda (built 2010) — the only Qatari ship to be converted to date.

One source insisted that a decision has already been made to proceed with the work on the remaining 44 Q-ships, which are operated by state-owned Nakilat.