Energy giant Saudi Aramco and shipowner Bahri have made a first approach to shipowners for a series of up to 12 LNG carriers as Saudi Arabia moves to extend its toehold in the sector.

If the deal ends up involving newbuildings, it could be worth $2.3bn.

Shipping sources told TradeWinds that Saudi Aramco, working with Bahri, is kicking off a process to secure 174,000-cbm vessels, with deliveries in 2025 and 2026.