Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has the world’s most valuable fleet of LNG carriers, worth close to US$6Bn, according to UK-based ship valuation firm VesselsValue
With 45 vessels, MOL’s fleet has a valuation of US$5.925Bn. Most recently, MOL took delivery of LNG Megrez, an LNG carrier with 174,000 m3 capacity built at China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding. LNG Megrez was the last of four conventional newbuildings for the Yamal LNG project. MOL and COSCO Shipping have 50-50 ownership of the vessel.
Among the other top LNG shipowners are Greece’s Maran Gas Maritime, which owns a fleet of 28 vessels valued at US$4.552Bn, followed closely by Japan’s NYK Line, with 31 vessels valued at US$4.33Bn, and Qatar Gas Transport’s fleet of 34 LNG carriers valued at US$4.026Bn. Rounding out the top five LNG carrier owners is SMART LNG, the joint venture between Novatek and Sovcomflot established to own and operate a fleet of LNG carriers for the Arctic 2 LNG project. SMART LNG’s fleet of 15 vessels is valued at US$3.154Bn by VesselsValue.
When it comes to number of owned LNG carriers, there is a slight shuffle in the rankings. While MOL still emerges as the leader, Qatar Gas Transport ranks second, with NYK Line and MISC – Malaysia’s leading shipping line – tied for third with 31 vessels. Completing the top five is Maran Gas Maritime.
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