Two shipowners have been shortlisted to supply an LNG carrier newbuilding to Spanish energy company and charterer Repsol following a recent tender.
Industry sources watching the selection process said Hyundai LNG Shipping from South Korea and Norway’s Knutsen OAS Shipping are in the final running.
One said Hyundai LNG — which has recently been active in securing both LNG and LPG carrier business — is said to be offering the most competitive price but that, historically, Knutsen has closer links with Spanish LNG business.
Offer deluge
TradeWinds reported in March that Repsol had received more than 20 offers — with some brokers suggesting it was closer to 30 — from owners interested in supplying a single LNG vessel for the company to take on long-term charter.
Bids were submitted on 24 March.
Companies had the option of offering either a newbuilding or an existing two-stroke, membrane-type LNG carrier of between 173,000 cbm and 180,000 cbm.
The LNG carrier is required for a delivery date between the third quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024.
Repsol is offering a 10-year charter on the vessel.
Offers had to be valid until 1 May, indicating that the company would make a selection on the vessel at the start of this month.
Repsol is understood to be seeking tonnage to cover its upcoming US volumes from Venture Global LNG’s under-construction Calcasieu Pass export facility in Louisiana, where it has contracted to buy 1 million tonnes per annum of LNG.
This project has indicated it could export its first cargoes by the end of the year, 12 months ahead of schedule.
