Stealthgas has exercised options on two LPG new buildings as well as new charters and extensions on existing contracts.

The pair of options, 22,000 cu m semi refrigerated LPG carriers, have been exercised at a Korean yard and are scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2017. The ships have options for fitting with exhaust gas scrubbers and ice class notation.

Michael Jolliffe, Stealthgas chairman, commented: "Stealthgas is now the prominent owner of pressurised LPG ships worldwide, and with this expansion into handysize vessels, and with a total of 19 of the most modern eco type LPG ships on order, Stealthgas will continue its carefully thought out expansion program to the ongoing benefit of its shareholders".

Charter extensions of one year each were signed for three ships while two newbuildings due for delivery in 2015 gained two year charters. A two month charter was also signed for an older, 1992-built 3,400 cu m vessel, Gas Arctic.