Nine offers are on the table after Indian importer Petronet launched an initial approach to the market for a long-term LNG carrier charter.
Market players said pre-qualification hopefuls include a consortium of SCI and Japanese owners NYK and K Line.
Also on the list are Hanjin Shipping, BW Gas from Singapore, Golar LNG and Teekay along with four Greek shipowners Dynagas, Hyundai Merchant Marine with Tsakos Energy Navigation, GasLog and indstry newcomer Cardiff Marine in partnership with Marubeni.
Petronet is now scheduled to pre-qualify contenders and issue a request for formal proposals.
