LNG Carriers on the Upswing

This past March concluded an agreement between Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Kawasaki Shipbuilding for construction of an LNG carrier with a capacity of 145,000 cu. m. With two of the carriers already delivered to Mitsui for use by both Oman and Algeria under co-ownership, this agreement marks the third informal order placed for this such vessel.

In addition, both Kawasaki Shipbuilding and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries received an order for one 145,000 cu. m. carrier with the decision left open to buy another LNG from the Oman government this past July. The first carrier, which will be built at Kawasaki Shipbuilding’s Sakaide Works is set for delivery in December 2005. An option for a second carrier is being carried out at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.