The SK Shipping newbuildings are priced at KRW 452.3bn ($417m), slightly more expensive than the vessels which DSME will build for Korea Line and Hyundai LNG.

State-run South Korean utility Kogas pre-qualified seven domestic shipowners to bid for six LNG carrier newbuildings in July.

Unsuccessful offers came from the likes of Pan Ocean, Hanjin Shipping and Hyundai Glovis.

Kogas is offering long-term time charters against vessels of between 172,000 cbm and 180,000 cbm, all of which are required for delivery in 2017.

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