A joint venture consisting of NYK and Geogas LNG has signed a new long-term charter deal for one LNG carrier with a unit of French state-controlled utility EDF.
According to a statement by Japan’s NYK on Friday, France LNG Shipping would deliver the new 174,000-cbm vessel to EDF LNG Shipping in 2025, the same as the prior vessel in January.
NYK said this new deal marks the fourth long-term time-charter contract with the EDF Group.
The shipping giant said that South Korea’s Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries would build the new LNG carrier, confirming a recent report by LNG Prime.
To remind, LNG Prime reported, citing shipbuilding sources, that NYK had ordered one LNG carrier at HSHI last week.
Parent KSOE said HSHI would build the 174,000-cbm LNG carrier for about $224 million and deliver it to an unidentified European shipowner by October 2025.
NYK said the new vessel would feature WinGD’s X-DF dual-fuel engines and GTT’s membrane containment system.
In addition, the 297 meters long LNG carrier will also have an Air Liquide–manufactured Turbo-Brayton refrigeration system that can tap surplus boil-off gas.
EDF already uses one LNG carrier from France LNG Shipping. The 174,000-cbm Elisa Larus started serving the French firm in May 2020.
France LNG Shipping took delivery of several carriers in the last two years, including the most recent delivery of the 174,000-cbm Elisa Aquila, chartered by EDF’s Edison.