BP seeks to lease LNG tanker for at least 9 months as day-rates rise

LONDON, June 21 (Reuters) - ** BP Shipping on Thursday notified the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market of its interest in leasing the British Ruby or its sister vessel for a minimum of nine months from Dec (Shanghai: 600875.SS - news) -Q1 2019, according to a note seen by Reuters. ** BP invites expressions of interest for the LNG tanker by Friday. ** LNG charter day-rates are at multi-year peaks amid growing incentives to divert Atlantic (Shanghai: 600558.SS - news) -produced supply east as major consumers led by China ramp up imports, lengthening ship journey times and tightening availability of vessels. ** Daily charter rates in the Atlantic reached $85,000 compared to $65,000 in the preceding week. (Reporting by Oleg Vukmanovic)