Hoegh LNG has inked a contract for its latest FSRU newbuilding which will keep the unit employed until it starts a long-term deal off Australia.
Cheniere has fixed the 170,000-cbm Hoegh Galleon in what marks the first firm contract between the two companies.
The ship, which has just been named at Samsung Heavy Industries, will work as a conventional LNG carrier until it can begin its 10-year pact with AIE in Port Kembla, Australia.
AIE has a contract to supply gas to its foundation customer on the project from the start of 2021.
Sveinung Stohle, chief executive of Hoegh LNG, said the deal with the US' largest LNG exporter meant the Hoegh Galleon would have long-term coverage in line with the company’s strategy.
“From commencement of the Cheniere contract in September, Hoegh LNG's fleet will be fully employed,” he said.
Stohle told TradeWinds the shipowner had held talks with Cheniere on various matters during the past couple of years but today’s development was the first contract between the pair.
Hoegh has FSRUs on charter to Total, Equinor and KN and will have another unit join Naturgy and AGL.
The Hoegh Esperanza is presently employed in China but will head to Australia in 2021 to begin a 10-year deal.
Long-term work is also being developed for the Hoegh Gannet, which is presently on an intermediate contract.
