NYK Line has entered into a series of long-term charter agreements with Cheniere Energy, Inc. for newbuild LNG carriers, marking the first time the Japanese operator has placed vessels on extended time charter with the US gas exporter.

The deals have been concluded in partnership with Ocean Yield AS, with construction to take place at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. Deliveries are scheduled to begin from 2028.

Each carrier will have a cargo capacity of around 200,000 cubic metres and will be fitted with dual-fuel low-speed engines supplied by WinGD. The propulsion system combines Intelligent Control by Exhaust Recycling (iCER) technology to reduce methane slip and fuel consumption with a variable-compression-ratio system designed to further improve efficiency in both gas and diesel operating modes.

The vessels will also incorporate a re-liquefaction system to manage excess boil-off gas, alongside membrane-type cargo tanks developed by Gaztransport & Technigaz using its Mark III Flex+ insulation technology to reduce evaporation during voyages.

NYK said the newbuildings will support efficient and lower-emissions LNG transportation while strengthening its long-term relationship with Cheniere as global LNG trade continues to expand.