MOL, Hiroshima Gas form joint LNG company
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. has formed a joint venture company with Hiroshima Gas Co. Ltd. to transport liquefied natural gas.
The new company is called Maple LNG Transport Inc., with MOL and Hiroshima Gas each holding a 50 percent share.
Since its formation, Maple has ordered a 19,100 cm3 LNG carrier from Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corp., slated for completion in September 2007, and signed a 20-year charter contract with HG LNG Shipping Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hiroshima Gas.
MOL said that, including ships under construction, it has 62 LNG carriers, three of which are 20,000-ton class vessels.