Flex LNG launches another carrier

Norway-based shipowner Flex LNG has launched the 173,400m³ Flex Freedom carrier at South Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) shipyard.

The vessel is one of seven newbuilds on Flex LNG's order book(see table). It will now start sea trials, and is expected to be operational ahead of schedule in the third quarter once fully refurbished and tested, Flex LNG said. The firm had previously expected to take delivery of the vessel in the fourth quarter.

The Flex Freedom remains uncommitted and may be available on the spot market once operational. But Flex LNG said in November that it is willing to fix all the vessels expected this year under long-term charter, as it aims to move away from the spot market.

Of the seven ordered carriers, only one has already been chartered on a long-term basis. Flex LNG signed a five-year charter at the end of 2018 with trading firm Gunvor for the 173,400m³ Flex Artemis.

By Livia Gallarati