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

LONDON (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-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-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 (64,821.2 pounds) compared to $65,000 (49,569.1 pounds) in the preceding week.

(Reporting by Oleg Vukmanovic)