Energy major Total has narrowed down the bidders left in its search to build a large-size LNG bunker vessel (LNGBV).

Sources following the project say just two shipowning names remain in the frame for the 18,600-cbm LNGBV newbuilding, each of which is bidding against an offer from a different shipyard.

Brokers say three owners made the shortlist, which has been slimmed down from a possible eight that were listed at the end of last year.