Total is nearing completion of its takeover of Engie's LNG assets, meaning it is poised to become a shipowner again for the first time sincepulling back in the wake of a serious tanker incident nearly 40 years ago.

Those working on the sale explain that the French energy major will inherit 10 LNG carriers, a number of long-term charterparties and Engie’s LNG shipmanagement arm Gazocean, in which Japanese owner NYK Line has a shareholding.