Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN) is looking toward expansion in the LNG carrier sector after tying up its latest newbuilding for at least 18 months.

The deal, which includes options for up to three years, was revealed just as the New York-listed shipowner took delivery of the 174,000-cbm Maria Energy from Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea.

The Maria Energy is Nikolas Tsakos-led TEN's second LNG carrier.

"With