A rare VLGC demolition sale has failed to spark great optimism in the market despite expectations more gas carriers will follow it to the scrap heap.

JX Ocean of Japan is understood to have sent the 78,500-cbm Nichiyuh Maru (built 1989) for demolition in India.

Brokers say the ship has joined the 82,500-cbm Gaz Fountain (built 1986) as the only VLGCs to be sent for scrap this year following an end to a two-year boom in freight rates.