A floating storage and regasification unit controlled by Hoegh LNG looks set to be tied up to Chinese energy giant China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC) in a midterm deal that mirrors one secured by the Norwegian regas specialist last year.

Brokers report that the 170,000-cbm newbuilding Hoegh Esperanza has been fixed by CNOOC for three years.

The FSRU is set to begin operations in the Chinese port of Tianjin and act as a replacement for an Engie relet, the 143,310-cbm GDF Suez Cap Ann (built 2010), which has been acting as the regas unit there.