Greek shipping firm Capital Gas has taken delivery of a new 174,000-cbm LNG vessel which will go on charter to US exporter Cheniere.
South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries delivered the 299 meters long LNG carrier Asklipios on Wednesday, according to a statement by Evangelos Marinakis-led Capital Gas.
The shipping firm said the vessel would serve Cheniere for a period of up to 6 years.
This LNG carrier is the sixth in a batch of nine and follows the recent delivery of Adamastos, which serves a long-term charter with Engie, and Attalos, which serves a long-term charter with BP.
Prior to that, the Greek shipper welcomed Aristarchos, which works under a long-term charter with Cheniere as well.
In addition, BP has chartered the first two vessels in this fleet, namely Aristidis I and Aristos I.
Capital Gas says it has three more LNG newbuilds on order in South Korea scheduled for delivery in 2023. The firm has earlier this year ordered two new LNG carriers at HHI.
The first seven LNG carriers feature WinGD’s X-DF engines and GTT’s Mark III Flex containment system but also an air lubrication system and increased filling limits.
Also, the two new LNG tankers will feature ME-GA engines, according to Capital Gas that will manage all of these carriers.
To remind, New York-listed Capital Product Partners recently said it had agreed to buy three X-DF LNG carriers from CGC Operating Corp.
The three vessels in question include the 174,000-cbm Aristos I, Aristarchos, and Aristidis I.
CPLP also secured an option to acquire an additional three X-DF LNG sister vessels from this fleet, and a right of first offer on the last three carriers which will be delivered in 2023.