Several spot and time-charter fixtures for LNG carriers at daily rates in excess of six-figures have ushered in a much-anticipated stronger market, heightening shipowners’ already bullish mood.

Both modern gas-injection vessels and slightly older diesel-electric ships are achieving the healthy earnings.

Brokers reported this week that Korea Line has fixed Stena Bulk’s 173,000-cbm tri-fuel diesel-electric LNG carrier Stena Crystal Sky (built 2011) for a six to eight-month period, with options to extend the hire, at $120,000 per day.