Nippon Yusen Kaisha and the Knutsen Group announce joint investment in two new LNG tankers

Further to the strategic and long-term partnership between Nippon Yusen Kaisha and the Knutsen Group / TS Shipping Invest AS with respect to the Knutsen NYK joint venture shuttle tanker business ("KNOT"), the partners announce, that they have concluded joint investment and financing arrangements on a 50:50 basis for two new 176,000 m3 ME-GI LNG tanker vessels that will be chartered to Spanish energy company Gas Natural on a 20-year plus basis from their delivery built in Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. in the second half of 2016, the company said in its press release.
 
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe Ltd. acted as structuring bank and book-runner for the financing arrangements with finance provided by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe Ltd., BNP Paribas, Caixabank S.A., Crédit Industriel et Commercial, and the London branch of Société Générale.
 
Outline of LNG Carrier
 
Vessels owned: 2 vessels
Cargo tank capacity: about 176,000 cubic meters
Length overall: about 290 meters
Breadth: about 46.4 meters
Main engine: ME-GI
Shipbuilder: Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd.
Delivery Date: 2016