Charter rates for LNG carriers have shot up to new record highs with the market fever for vessels showing no signs of slowing.

All vessels are attracting six-figures rates with charterers showing interest in even the older, less efficient steam turbine vessels as they seek tonnage for winter coverage.

Brokers reported that Glencore is paying $200,000 per day to fix Sinokor Merchant Marine’s 138,200-cbm steam turbine LNG carrier Merchant (built 2002, ex British Merchant) for a 40-day period.