Stena Group is reportedly considering an $1.2bn order for up to five new LNG carriers (LNGC).
The purchasing deal is thought to be a joint venture with an unnamed US energy company, according to Oslo-based investment bank Arctic Securities, quoting reports in the Swedish media.
These quoted Stena Bulk chief executive Ulf Ryder saying Russian charterers had recently visited the company, seeking a two-year time charter on a Stena vessel for a reported $165,000 per day.
According to London-headquartered shipbroker Clarksons, Stena has two 170,000 cu m LNG carriers on order in South Korea.
“Shipbroker reports indicate still stronger freight rates in the LNG segment as modern tonnage is achieving $155,000/day and [newer] tonnage is achieving around $170,000/day,” said Arctic Securities analyst Erik Nikolai Stavseth.
“We see no changes in the industry fundamentals and think 2012 and 2013 will turn out to be increasingly stronger for LNG shippers.”