Algeria's Hyproc has pre-selected five shipyards for three newbuilding LNG carriers.
The shipping arm of state-controlled energy company Sonatrach has pre-qualifyed shipbuilders for three LNG carriers in the 155,000-cbm to 170,000-cbm range, with delivery due between the end of 2015 and the third quarter of 2016. It is said to have chosen three Korean shipbuilders and two Japanese yards.
An official from Hyproc denied to reveal names of the yards, until the process is approved internally. These five contenders are to submit technical offers soon.
Meanwhile, Qatari Nakilat recently announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding with Sonatrach, in which they broadly agreed on transportation of LNG and LPG as well as joint ownership of two 177,000-cbm LNG carriers.