Spot charter rates for LNG carriers have taken another sharp hike upwards as enquiries mount and the open tonnage pool dwindles.
Brokers report that John Fredriksen's Flex LNG fixed at least one of its raft of gas-injection newbuildings, possibly the Flex Ranger, at a super-strong $165,000 per day.
One source following the company suggested two Flex ships had been fixed.
Vitol was being named as a charterer.
The business set market chatter alive with rate rumours of $175,000 to $180,000 per day being quoted.
Flex declined to comment on the reports.
Charter market players say there are virtually no LNG carriers available in the Far East where activity has been hottest in recent weeks, and only around 10 ships coming open in the next 45 days.
But a number of key charterers are seeking LNG tonnage. Owners cite ExxonMobil, BHP Billiton, Gunvor and Marubeni among those seeking vessels.
