Golar has a 90 day option with LNG Partners which could see the ships taken onto long-term contracts if a firm agreement can be signed.
Both of the vessels would be employed to ship gas from the Douglas Channel LNG project in British Colombia from early 2015, investors are told.
Fredriksen said: “We are excited to support the Douglas Channel LNG Project in its efforts to reach Final Investment Decision and believe that the venture has a great opportunity of becoming North America's first LNG export project in over 40 years."
Golar, which has been reluctant to lock in its newbuildings amid expectations rates would improve, did not offer any details regarding the likely length of the contracts or the rates on offer.
Erik Nikolai Stavseth of Arctic Securities says the deals are likely to be for seven or more years at a rate in six-digit territory.
“The announcement is a testament to GLNG being able to secure what we think is highly competitive returns even when the market is seen as somewhat softer,” he said.
“Golar will also potentially have access to LNG volumes through the project and we think access to volumes is the next piece in the Golar story.
“Although the market was likely hoping for something more straight forward with more firm information, the news are supportive of our view that Golar will secure charters that will give solid returns to shareholders long-term.”
Golar’s 11 newbuildings are split between Samsung Heavy Industries and Hyundai Samho.
