Orders for four LNG newbuildings are in the process of being concluded at Japanese shipyards but it will take some months yet before contracts can be formally signed.
Shipowners NYK and Mitsui OSK Lines are poised to pull the trigger for 160,000-cbm LNG carriers on behalf of two domestic utility companies, sources said.
MOL is expected to contract two vessels for Kansai Electric Company, one of which will be built at Kawasaki Heavy Industries and the other at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
The owner is also expected to build one ship at MHI for charter to Chubu Electric.
Compatriot owner NYK, working in partnership with Mitsubishi Corporation, is believed to backing at least one other vessel for Chubu at MHI.
The utility, which has previously expressed...
