Nakilat takes full ownership of four LNG carriers

Qatari shipping firm Nakilat has moved to acquire the remaining 49.9pc of equity in four 217,000m³ Q-Flex LNG carriers in which it owns a majority stake.

Nakilat has purchased the remaining interest in the vessels from New York-listed International Seaways, the firm said.

The agreement brings the number of vessels 100pc-owned by Nakilat to 29, out of a total fleet of 74 LNG and LPG carriers.

The four Q-Flex vessels are currently under long-term charter with Qatargas.

Nakilat's fleet comprises 14 Q-Max vessels, 31 Q-Flex and 24 conventional LNG carriers, as well as four LPG carries and a floating storage and regasification unit — the 150,900m³ Exquisite — which is installed at Pakistan's Port Qasim.