Consortium signs long-term charters for eight new LNG carriers

Consortium signs long-term charters for eight new LNG carriers    A consortium comprising Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” Line), Mitsui & Co., Iino Kaiun Kaisha, and Qatar Gas Transport Co. Monday signed 25-year charter agreements for eight new liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers of approximately 210,000 cubic meters.
   Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. will build five of the ships while Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. will construct the three others. Delivery is scheduled from March 2008
   The vessels will transport LNG for Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Co., owned 70 percent by Qatar Petroleum and 30 percent by ExxonMobil, between Qatar and the United States.
   MOL, NYK and “K” Line will be appointed as the ship managers.