The next phase of the acquisition involves six additional vessels, including Axios II, Assos, Apostolos, Aktoras, Archimidis, and Agamemnon LNG carriers.

Approximately 70 Australian-resident seafarers will be employed on an LNG carrier within Woodside's chartered fleet, managed by ASP Ship Management Pty Ltd in Melbourne.

Greek shipping companies, Sea Pioneer, Dynacom, and Evalend Shipping, are on a significant buying spree, expanding their fleets with new vessels, including tankers and liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers.

This development positions the terminal for its anticipated launch in July 2024.

The move is part of the partnership's strategic shift to focus on the growing LNG sector amid the global energy transition.

The deal, effective from January 2024, complements Eni's existing contract with Jangkrik LNG Sellers, which has been in place since 2017, providing 1.4 billion cubic meters (49.4 bcf) annually.

The vessels are expected to play a vital role in the project's first phase, set to commence in December 2023.

The project aims to construct three 174,000 cubic meter LNG carriers at Hudong-Zhonghua, with delivery scheduled for 2028.

As part of the transaction, BW Offshore has entered into a bareboat charter with STAC to ensure uninterrupted operations for the client during a transition period of up to two months.