QGTC plans more LNG tankers

Qatar Gas Transport Co. (QGTC) has enlisted international shipbuilders to construct six to eight LNG carriers at a cost of about $230 million each. QGTC expects to lease each vessel to deliver LNG to the UK.

Bids have been issued, winning firms are to be announced next month, and final agreements will be signed in October, QGTC reported. The new LNG carriers will be chartered to Qatargas II, a joint venture of Qatar Petroleum, ExxonMobil Corp., and Total SA.

South Korean shipbuilders Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, Samsung Heavy Industries and Hyundai Heavy Industries will be approached to build the ships.