NYK and GDF SUEZ strengthen their collaboration with the charter of another LNG carrier

NYK Energy Transport (Atlantic) Ltd, a London based subsidiary of Japanese NYK, a leading global shipping company, and the Paris-based GDF SUEZ, one of the world energy leader, have entered into a time charter of the "GRACE BARLERIA". The LNG carrier joined the GDF SUEZ LNG fleet on 27th February 2013 for a 4-year period.

"GRACE BARLERIA" has been operated by NYK since her delivery in 2007. She has a capacity of 149,700 m3 and is equipped with GTT's Mark III technology.

NYK and GDF SUEZ regularly assess new business opportunities and cooperate in shipping activities: co-ownership of the LNG carrier Gaselys (60% NYK, 40% GDF SUEZ), co-ownership of the ship management company Gazocean (80% GDF SUEZ, 20% NYK), and the chartering of the "GRACE COSMOS" and the "GRACE ACACIA", sister-ships of the "GRACE BARLERIA".

NYK has been involved in LNG shipping since 1983 and has grown to become one of the largest independent owner/operators of LNG carriers, with a fleet of 68 LNG vessels of which it manages 38 through various subsidiary ship management companies. NYK Energy Transport (Atlantic) Ltd is responsible for NYK’s LNG and other energy related shipping activities for utilities, national and international energy companies and traders in the region West of Suez.

GDF SUEZ is a global LNG player and the main LNG importer in Europe. GDF SUEZ has the third largest LNG supply portfolio in the world, supplied from six different countries, and representing 16 MTPA. It controls a large fleet of 17 LNG carriers under mid and long term charter agreements. The fleet is permanently optimised to satisfy GDF SUEZ’s long term commitments and short term opportunities. The Group has also a significant presence in regasification terminals around the world.

GDF SUEZ has a 40% stake in Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT), which designs on-board LNG cargo containment systems, such as the Mark III system installed on the GRACE BARLERIA and develops “membrane” LNG tank insulation techniques. In 2011, GTT membranes were fitted in 68% of LNG carriers in service world-wide (source: GIIGNL).