South Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering has won an order for four LNG carriers, kick-starting the second half new order drive in earnest.
DSME signed the contract for four 159,800 cbm LNG Carriers with George Economou Group in Athens, Greece on July 28.
The LNG carriers will be built at Okpo shipyard, Geoje and delivered until 2014. Order value totals over $850m and both have agreed on an option of two additional ships.
The ships are equipped with Dual Fuel Diesel Electric (DFDE) engine, which enables fueling diesel and natural gas in turn. With improved energy efficiency, LNG carriers would be economically feasible and more convenient in sailing.
Economou Group is one of the largest shipping companies in Greece and had the first business with DSME by ordering LNG carriers for the first time, since its establishment.
In 2011, DSME accomplished outstanding feat of winning orders for LNG carriers with both of major shipping companies, including Angelicoussis, in Greece.
DSME inked orders totaling 34 ships/plants amounting $7.98bn and achieved 72.5% of 2011 order target $11bn.