South Korean shipowner Sinokor Merchant Marine has pulled its first LNG carrier out of lay-up in an improving market for older vessels.

The 127,180-cbm Grace Energy (ex-LNG Swift, built 1989) is now in Keppel Shipyard, where it is understood to be undergoing an overhaul that would allow it to return to trading.

The ship is due to re-emerge from the yard towards the end of this month or early in February.