According to Ocean Yield, the vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029.
The firm did not provide the name of the yard(s).
Brokers recently reported that NYK was considering ordering four LNG carriers from South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
Ocean Yield said that both firms will have an ownership interest of “around 50 percent” in the vessels.
Moreover, upon delivery, each vessel will commence long-term time charters to an “investment grade-rated major energy company,” Ocean Yiled said, but it did not reveal the name of the charterer.
Ocean Yield noted that the transaction is estimated to add around $600 million to its Ebitda backlog.
The charterer may exercise extension options to extend the charter duration.
In addition, the charterer is also granted options that may increase the size of the investment to eight vessels, Ocean Yield said.
Closing of the investment is subject to certain customary conditions.
“We are pleased to expand the partnership with NYK Line through this landmark transaction,” CEO Andreas Røde said.
“Ocean Yield has over the last few years strategically entered the LNG segment, a sector that fits our investment mandate well with its infrastructure-like characteristics and long-term charters to strong counterparties,” he said.
Earlier this year, Ocean Yield agreed to increase its stake in France LNG Shipping.
The transaction will increase Ocean Yield’s indirect economic interest in FLS from 34 percent to 45 percent.
FLS is a 50/50 joint venture between NYK and France’s Geogas LNG, a firm jointly owned by Ocean Yield, Access Capital Partners, and Geogas Maritime.
In August, Ocean Yield further expanded its LNG carrier business with the purchase of CapeOmega Gas Transportation from Partners Group.
CapeOmega co-owns ten LNG carriers operated by Norwegian shipowner Knutsen.
