Three LNG carrier newbuildings for Mitsui OSK Lines — working in tandem with partner Cosco Shipping Energy Transportation — are expected to be confirmed shortly to complete an initial line-up of 66 vessels worth more than $14bn for QatarEnergy’s huge shipbuilding programme.

Sources said MOL and Cosco Shipping Energy Transportation, or a subsidiary, will order the three vessels at China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group), where QatarEnergy has reserved LNG berth space.