April 18, 2012
Earlier this year, Teekay LNG Partners (TGP), a Teekay daughter company, and Marubeni acquired six LNG carriers from AP Moller Maersk (Maersk). As a result, TGP now has interests in 27 LNG vessels and will operate 23 of these, upon completion of the transition of the Maersk LNG vessels.
Of the six LNG carriers acquired, four are operating under long-term, fixed-rate time-charter contracts. The other two vessels are in the process of being opportunistically redeployed back into the market. Says Brody Speers, Manager, Strategic Development, “The timing for that couldn’t be better because the LNG carrier spot market is strong and the rates are currently at an all-time high.”
Our integration and transition team is busy ensuring that all aspects of operations, including technical, commercial and human resource needs are met and the vessels transferred seamlessly while meeting all customer service expectations.
Bikramjit Kanjilal, Director, Quality Assurance, notes “We are very pleased with the number of highly competent seafarers who are transferring with their vessels from Maersk to Teekay. It’s very important for us to have the right mix of seafarers onboard and we focus on having the right level of competences maintained throughout our fleets in order to ensure safety, business continuity and good operations.”
On March 21, the Maersk Meridian was re-named Meridian Spirit. We wish safe sailing to her and all those on board. For more news on Teekay’s gas business, visit www.teekaylng.com.