Golar LNG closes FLNG Hilli Episeyo post acceptance financing

Golar LNG said it has closed the FLNG Hilli Episeyo post acceptance debt financing, after repaying a $640 million construction financing and drawing down $960 million lease financing by CDDC Leasing.

The company noted in its statement that after the closing, the company received an additional $320 million of liquidity.

The net increase in liquidity to Golar after settling remaining Hilli Episeyo capital commitments as well as amounts due to minority (10.89 percent) shareholders Keppel and Black and Veatch as a result of the drawdown down, is expected to be approximately $200 million.

The drop down of 50 percent of the base tolling income to Golar LNG Partners is expected to be concluded shortly, Golar LNG said.

Following the financing close, Golar’s CEO Iain Ross said that, in addition to the closing of the Sergipe financing in April, the company’s “major capital commitments are fully funded.”

The only exception is the FSRU Nanook which has a 25-year charter and on which financing discussions are well advanced.