International Seaways announces sale of ownership interest in LNG joint venture
International Seaways, Inc., one of the largest tanker companies worldwide providing energy transportation services for crude oil and petroleum products in International Flag markets, announced today that the Company has sold its 49.9% ownership interest in its joint venture with Qatar Gas Transport Company Ltd. (Nakilat), which owns four liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) carriers to Nakilat for $123 million in cash.
“Nakilat and INSW worked in partnership to conclude this transaction, demonstrating the high level of teamwork the companies have shared for over 15 years,” said Lois K. Zabrocky, International Seaways’ President and CEO. “Nakilat continues to be a very valued INSW partner and remains an important part of our ongoing commitment to our business relationships in Qatar. By monetizing our interest in the joint venture, we unlocked significant value for shareholders and further strengthened our balance sheet.”
Jeff Pribor, the Company’s CFO, added “This important transaction positions INSW to further our capital allocation strategy. Following our success growing and renewing our fleet, deleveraging and returning cash to shareholders remain our top priorities.”
About International Seaways, Inc.
International Seaways, Inc. is one of the largest tanker companies worldwide providing energy transportation services for crude oil and petroleum products in International Flag markets. International Seaways owns and operates a fleet of 42 vessels, including 13 VLCCs, two Suezmaxes, six Aframaxes/LR2s, 12 Panamaxes/LR1s and 7 MR tankers. Through joint ventures, it currently has ownership interests in two floating storage and offloading service vessels. International Seaways has an experienced team committed to the very best operating practices and the highest levels of customer service and operational efficiency. International Seaways is headquartered in New York City, NY.
About Nakilat
Nakilat is a Qatari LNG transport company providing an essential transportation link in the State of Qatar’s LNG supply chain. Its LNG shipping fleet is the largest in the world, comprised of 69 LNG vessels. Nakilat also owns and manages one Floating Storage Regasification Unit (“FSRU”) vessel and four large Liquified Petroleum Gas (“LPG”) carriers. Nakilat operates the ship repair and construction facilities at Erhama Bin Jaber Al Jalahma Shipyard in Ras Laffan Industrial City via two strategic joint ventures: N-KOM and NDSQ. Nakilat also offers a full range of marine support services to vessels operating in Qatari waters.
