Norway's Awilco LNG is expecting a recovery in LNG carrier rates to continue in the second half of 2018 as it returned to profit.

Net earnings in the first three months were $1m, compared to loss of $10.36m in the same period of 2017.

The two spot-trading ships brought in freight income of $13.8m, up from $2.49m a year ago due to full exposure to a spot market with increased activity and rates following a firm winter market.