TradeWinds first reported news of the deal between the Japanese and Norwegian shipowners last week.
In a statement Tuesday the two partners said they have concluded a 50:50 joint investment and financing arrangements for the two ships.
The 176,000-cbm LNG carriers were ordered at Hyundai Heavy Industries against long-term charters with Spain’s Gas Natural Fenosa.
Both tankers are due for delivery in the second half of 2016 at which point they will begin 20-year charters to the Spanish energy company.
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp (SMBC) acted as structuring bank and book-runner for the financing arrangements with finance provided by SMBC, BNP Paribas, Caixabank, Credit Industriel et Commercial and Societe Generale.
NYKand Knutsen have been working together on crude oil shuttle tanker businessthrough Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers (KNOT). This new LNG shared ownership issaid to be an extension of this relationship.
Last month NYK said it would shift its investment emphasis towards the LNG and offshore sectors in the search of better returns.
It plans to spend JPY 790bn ($6.7bn) on new tonnage overthe next five years under a new medium-term management plan.
The bulk of the money, some JPY 530bn, is set to beinvested in the both the LNG and offshore sectors.
It plans to expand its LNGfleet from its current 67 vessels to more than 100 by the end of the FY2018fiscal year.
