Well-informed sources said the grouping of Mitsui OSK Lines, K Line, NYK, Iino Kaiun plus trader Mitsui has won long-term contracts to back eight of the Q-flex, or 215,000 cubic-metre, LNG carrier newbuildings.
This would appear to re-establish the Japanese players' long-standing relationship with Qatar's LNG producers that appeared to have faded in recent newbuilding rounds.
Teekay, which recently completed its LNG business IPO in New York, has been awarded similar business for four of the Q-flex vessels.
The
