Key LNG broker Lawrence Noto is leaving shipbroker Affinity (Shipping) at the end of December less than two years after joining the company and after six months of speculation about his future.

In a short statement agreed with Noto the shop said: “Affinity announces the departure of Lawrence Noto with effect from 31 December 2017."

It continued: "Affinity and Lawrence, through his new company Abacus, will continue to co-operate on projects targeted within his area of expertise in the LNG sector and will work exclusively together on such transactions.