Middle East producer Qatargas has chartered the first of four speculatively-ordered LNG carrier newbuildings that were delivered to Qatari shipowner Nakilat last month.
Brokers said the 173,400-cbm newbuilding Global Energy is fixed ex-yard to Qatargas for a period of three months, with an option to extend the hire by a further month.
Industry players suggested the deal was likely concluded a few weeks earlier, reflecting what appears to be a firm rate in the current weak LNG charter environment.
