Dynagas LNG Partners has paid off a $250m notes issue but saw its third quarter loss grow more than anticipated.

The US-listed LNG carrier owner said the 6.25% debt was paid off at maturity on 30 October.

The net loss to 30 September was $4.74m, compared to a deficit of $650,000 in 2018. The loss for the latest quarter was deeper than analysts predicted, according to Stifel.

Revenue rose to $34.36m against $31.32m, but Dynagas Partners booked a $7.5m non-cash write-off expense from the accelerated amortisation of deferred loan fees as a result of the early prepayment of a loan facility.

The company achieved 99% fleet utilisation in the quarter.

"Our underlying charter business remains healthy," CEO Tony Lauritzen said.

"Upon the commencement of the employment of the Lena River under its new multi-year charter on July 1, each of our six LNG carriers are now fully delivered and operating under their respective term charters with international gas producers with an average remaining contract term of 8.9 years."

The earliest possible re-chartering availability is in the third quarter of 2021.

The CEO added: "As a result of the partnership’s new financial profile, which is intended to deleverage its debt over time, the partnership expects to be better positioned for future growth initiatives as we expect global LNG markets to continue their robust development.”

Eric Martin contributed to this story