As the New York-listed owner wheeled out a stronger than forecast third quarter profit Livanos says a master limited partnership (MLP) is being considered.

Livanos, CEO of the LNG owner, said: “We are studying a number of alternative financial structures, including an MLP, that we feel could be beneficial to our growth aspirations and shareholder value.”

Fredriksen has successfully unwound Golar LNG Partners from his Golar vehicle and has just completed the IPO of the first drilling MLP, Seadrill Partners.  

GasLog, which will pay a debut dividend of 11 cents, booked a profit of $2.9m in the three months to the end of September.

This was behind the $4.6m of a year ago if one-off items are left intact.

Without the impact of interest rate swaps its adjusted profit of $4.05m was only a fraction short of the $4.81m recorded 12 months back.

Adjusted earnings per share of $0.06 were two cents ahead of what Wall Street wanted.

"We are pleased with our third quarter results, which exceeded internal expectation, reflecting lower general and administrative expenses," Livanos said.

“The strong revenue reflects the continued 100% utilization of our existing fleet.”

Much of the attention in the build up to GasLog’s third quarter report has been on whether it has bagged contracts for its last two open newbuildings at Samsung Heavy Industries.

This event is considered likely to draw the firming up of two optional newbuildings.

Livanos said: “We see additional new requirements for LNG ships emerging that support our optimism regarding our two open vessels.”

The report added: "GasLog expects that its strategy of leveraging its established platform and customer relationships will aid in qualifying for charter possibilities for the two uncommitted newbuildings and the options it holds for two additional newbuildings.

“GasLog's experience and track record may also allow GasLog to explore possibilities for industry consolidation of new entrants and to be flexible to adjust to market developments.”