The Japanese shipping firm revealed this in its results report on Friday.
This is two more LNG carriers than in the previous quarter and one more compared to the end of 2024.
According to the new report, MOL expects its LNG carrier fleet to reach 102 vessels by March 2026.
This is three vessels less than in the previous forecast.
Last year, brokers reported that MOL sold its 2004-built 137,500-cbm steam LNG carrier, Dukhan, for scrap.
MOL’s fleet includes LNG carriers owned and/or operated by joint venture companies.
Additionally, MOL previously stated that it had approximately 30 LNG carriers on order.
As of December 31, 2025, MOL’s fleet included eight FSUs/FSRUs, three LNG bunkering vessels, one LNG powership, and six ethane carriers.
As part of its plans to reduce emissions, MOL has also set a target to operate 90 LNG-powered and methanol-fueled vessels by 2030.
LNG earnings rise
MOL reported revenue of 1,345.4 billion yen, an operating profit of 102.7 billion yen, and an ordinary profit of 161.4 billion yen.
The company’s energy business, which includes the liquefied gas segment, reported revenue of 385.6 billion yen and profit of 65.5 billion yen.
Revenue rose 8.1 percent year-on-year, while profit decreased 19.3 percent.
MOL said its LNG and ethane carrier business recorded an increase in profit year-on-year due to the delivery of new vessels.
According to MOL, the business also continued to secure stable profits through the continuation of existing long-term charter contracts.
However, the gas infrastructure business recorded a decrease in profit year-on-year, due to a decline in operational efficiency caused by equipment malfunctions in some projects, MOL said.
MOL also provided an outlook for the LNG and ethane business.
“The LNG and ethane carrier business secures stable revenue from existing long-term charter contracts, while profit is expected to decrease compared to the previous forecast due to the incurrence of repair expenses,” the company said.
“The gas infrastructure business expects profits to be in line with the previous forecast, supported by the continued stable operation of existing projects,” MOL said.
