Yamal LNG has slimmed down the number of shipowners it is talking to from seven to five as it swings into order mode on its pioneering newbuildings.

SCF Group (Sovcomflot), which is expected to contract the first vessel, is understood to remain in the mix. But Yamal has cracked down on confidentiality clauses signed by bidders — and this week it was unclear who has been left at the table.

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