Energy major Total has shortlisted three shipowners for continued talks on a deal for up to four LNG carriers it wants to take on multi-year time charters.

Sources say Greek owner TMS Cardiff Gas, Russia’s Sovcomflot (SCF Group) and George Procopiou-controlled Dynagas remain in the frame for further negotiations.

New York-listed GasLog, which had been tipped as a hot favourite to join the tender line-up, was not named.