Norway’s Stolt-Nielsen has bought out its partners in small-scale shipping company Avenir LNG to build a 94.37% stake.

Tor Olav Troim-controlled Golar LNG sold off its 23.5% shareholding for $40m, while Hoegh family holding company Aequitas also sold out.

Stolt-Nielsen said it expects to make an offer for the rest of the shares.