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The world%u2019s largest owner of LNG carriers, Doha-listed Nakilat, has arrangedfinancing for 25 new LNG carriers with the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Kexim).The ships, described as %u2018conventional LNG vessels%u2019 will be fully owned andoperated by Nakilat and built at Korean yards. They are described as a pivotalstep in Nakilat%u2019s long-term strategy to build up its fleet.Neither the size of the ships nor their cost was revealed in a statement issued bythe company. However, at the prices currently prevailing for 174,000 cu m LNGcarriers, a standard size, the deal is thought to be worth $6bn - $7bn. Theinvolvement of Kexim, a Government-backed institution, provides a layer offinancial assurance from the state. South Korea has a long-term credit rating ofAA from Standard & Poors.Nakilat%u2019s CEO, Eng, Abdullah Al-Sulaiti, commented: %u201cThrough this partnership, Nakilathas secured vital financial resources for the fleet expansion, which reflects the strongbelief in our financial stability and strategic operational capabilities. This collaborationhighlights Nakilat%u2019s strong commitment to leveraging international partnerships toadvance its global market position and support Qatar%u2019s position as a global leader inthe LNG industry.%u201dhttps://www.seatrade-maritime.com/lng/nakilat-secures-multibillion-finance-package-for-korean-lng-carriersQATARNAKILAT SECURES MULTIBILLION FINANCE PACKAGE FOR KOREAN LNGCARRIERS