LNG spot rates shift into $200,000 territory as time-charter enquiry rises

Spot charter rates for LNG carriers have moved above $200,000 per day, as charterers move to extend period deals and secure tonnage on longer hires.

Brokers and shipowners reported Shell as paying around $200,000 per day for the 160,000-cbm Palu LNG (built 2014). The roundtrip economics on the vessel, which is a relet from trader Trafigura, are said to stack up at closer to $230,000 per day.