Following negotiations lasting since August, 1999, Repsol YPF and Gas Natural have placed an order with shipbuilders E.N. Elcano, N.F. Tapias and Knutsen to build three methane tankers, each with a capacity of 138,000 m^3. These vessels will be launched under a time charter contract for an initial period of 20 years, to transport LNG from Trinidad and Tobago to Spain, and will be constructed in Astilleros Espa�oles (AESA). The relevant contract will be signed in a few days time.