Gaslog Orders Two LNG Carriers at Samsung Heavy
The Monaco-based international owner, operator and manager of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, GasLog Ltd said that two 180,000 cubic meter LNG carriers with low pressure two stroke (LP-2S) propulsion and GTT Mark III Flex Plus cargo containment systems have been ordered from Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) in South Korea.
The newbuilding ordered to fulfil the Charters Gaslog signed with the wholly owned subsidiary of Cheniere Energy, Inc each for a firm period of seven years.
Gaslog expects delivery of the vessels in mid-2021.
"The Charters build on GasLog’s existing relationship with Cheniere, which now totals four newbuilds on order and the GasLog Partners LP owned GasLog Sydney, which is currently on a multi-year time charter," said a statement from the company.
The rate of hire for the Charters is broadly in line with mid-cycle rates and delivers returns in line with GasLog’s financial strategy.
GasLog Partners has the right to acquire the vessels delivered into the Charters pursuant to the omnibus agreement between GasLog and GasLog Partners. As a result, GasLog Partners’ potential dropdown pipeline will increase to 12 LNG carriers with charter length of five years or longer and the Partnership is well positioned to announce a further dropdown acquisition within the first quarter of 2019.
Paul Wogan, Chief Executive Officer of GasLog, stated, “I am delighted to build further on our existing relationship with Cheniere. The four newbuilds that we now have on order for them will provide further support for their leading position in US LNG exports."
"We announced seven newbuild orders in 2018, all equipped with the latest advancements in propulsion and boil-off technology. Six of these newbuilds have long-term charters attached, cementing our status as a leading owner and operator of LNG carriers," he added.
"Attractive LNG shipping market fundamentals, the strong liquidity position of the GasLog group and increasing debt capacity due to scheduled amortization underpin the funding strategy for our newbuild program. As a result of our activities in 2018, we have made substantial progress towards meeting our target of more than doubling consolidated EBITDA over the 2017-2022 period,” Paul said.