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<Upper-Intermediate> Lesson No.13

Long-term LNG Vessel Charter Contract Negotiation / LNG船舶の長期チャーター契約交渉

0.Greetings & Ice-break (2min.)|挨拶と導入

 

0-1 Greetings

Let’s practice a short small talk that you can use to greet a business partner and start building a good relationship.

講師との挨拶を兼ねて、ビジネスパートナーと信頼関係を築くための短いスモールトークを練習してみましょう。

[Tips / 会話のヒント]

・Can you hear me clearly? 

 私の声はクリアに聞こえますか?
・How's your day going so far?

 今日はどんな一日でしたか?
・Talk about one small topic (Work, Weather, News, Hometown, Sports event, etc.)

 軽い話題について話しましょう(仕事、天気、ニュース、地元、スポーツイベントなど)

0-2 Introduction​

In today’s lesson, we’ll learn about the following situation. Have you ever experienced something similar?

本日のレッスンでは以下のようなシチュエーションについて学びます。同様のシチュエーションを経験したことがありますか?​

​​

- If you have experience, please tell us what it was like, what was difficult, or what you learned.

   経験があれば、どんな内容だったか、難しかったことや学んだことなどを教えて下さい。 

- If you don’t have experience, try to imagine yourself handling that situation in English.

  What do you think would be challenging?

  経験がなければ、英語でその状況に対応しているところを想像してみましょう。どんなことが難しそうですか?

Situation / シチュエーション

Securing long-term charter contracts for dedicated LNG transport vessels with overseas shipping companies due to increased LNG procurement volume.
LNG調達量増加に伴い、海外船舶会社と専用輸送船の長期チャーター契約を確保する場面です。

1. Read (2 min)|型を学ぶ
Let's read the following key sentences aloud!
下記の文章や単語を順番に音読しましょう!

1-1 Basic phrases
1.We need to stabilize...(...を安定化させる必要がある)
2.Let me elaborate on...(...について詳しく説明させてください)
3.We need to assess whether...(...かどうかを評価する必要がある)
4.We must confirm...(...を確認しなければならない)
5.We want to understand...(...を理解したいと考えている)
6.We need to define...(...を定義する必要がある)
7.This approach allows us to...(このアプローチにより...できる)

1-2 Essential words
1.stabilize(安定化させる)
2.ensure(確保する)
3.elaborate(詳しく説明する)
4.assess(評価する)
5.accommodate(収容する)
6.anticipated(予想される)
7.commit(コミットする)
8.monitor(監視する)
9.evaluate(評価する)
10.coordinate(調整する)
2. Try  (3 min)|ロールプレイ練習

Let’s practice the role-play.

ロールプレイの練習をしましょう!

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

Securing long-term charter contracts for dedicated LNG transport vessels with overseas shipping companies due to increased LNG procurement volume.
LNG調達量増加に伴い、海外船舶会社と専用輸送船の長期チャーター契約を確保する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Company Representative】:
Thank you for meeting with me today. We would like to discuss our long-term charter proposal for LNG carriers. Could you share your main requirements for this contract?
(本日はお時間をいただきありがとうございます。LNG運搬船の長期チャーター契約についてご提案させていただきたく存じます。この契約に関する主な要件をお聞かせいただけますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
Thank you for your proposal. We need to stabilize our transportation costs and ensure reliable shipping schedules. Our LNG procurement volume will increase by 30 percent over the next 5 years, so we must secure dedicated vessels now.
(ご提案ありがとうございます。輸送コストを安定化させ、確実な輸送スケジュールを確保する必要があります。今後5年間でLNG調達量が30パーセント増加するため、今のうちに専用船を確保しなければなりません。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Company Representative】:
I understand your situation. We can offer a 10-year charter contract at 45000 USD per day. This rate includes vessel maintenance, crew management, and insurance. How does this align with your budget expectations?
(状況は理解いたしました。1日あたり45000米ドルで10年間のチャーター契約をご提供できます。この料金には船舶メンテナンス、乗組員管理、保険が含まれます。これは貴社の予算期待に合致しますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
Let me elaborate on our concerns. First, we need to assess whether this rate is competitive compared to spot market rates. Second, we must confirm the vessel specifications meet our cargo volume requirements. Third, we want to understand your contingency plan if a vessel becomes unavailable.
(懸念事項について詳しく説明させてください。第一に、この料金がスポット市場の料金と比較して競争力があるかを評価する必要があります。第二に、船舶仕様が当社の貨物量要件を満たすことを確認しなければなりません。第三に、船舶が利用できなくなった場合の貴社の緊急時対応計画を理解したいと考えています。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Company Representative】:
Those are valid points. Our rate is 8 percent below the current market average for long-term charters. Each vessel can accommodate 174000 cubic meters of LNG. If any vessel requires unexpected maintenance, we will provide a replacement within 48 hours.
(それらはもっともな点です。当社の料金は長期チャーターの現在の市場平均より8パーセント低くなっています。各船舶は174000立方メートルのLNGを収容できます。万が一船舶が予期せぬメンテナンスを必要とする場合、48時間以内に代替船を提供いたします。)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
That sounds reasonable. However, we need to define the performance indicators clearly. We require 98 percent on-time delivery and immediate notification if any delays are anticipated. Can you commit to these standards?
(それは妥当に思えます。しかし、パフォーマンス指標を明確に定義する必要があります。当社は98パーセントの定時配送と、遅延が予想される場合の即時通知を求めます。これらの基準にコミットしていただけますか?)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Company Representative】:
We can commit to 98 percent on-time delivery. We will also implement a real-time tracking system so you can monitor vessel locations at all times. What about the contract duration? Would you consider a 15-year term for a reduced rate?
(98パーセントの定時配送にコミットできます。また、リアルタイム追跡システムを導入し、常時船舶位置を監視していただけるようにいたします。契約期間についてはいかがでしょうか?料金引き下げのため15年契約をご検討いただけますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
A 15-year term is too long given market uncertainty. We prefer a 10-year contract with an option to extend for 5 additional years. This approach allows us to evaluate performance before making a long-term commitment.
(市場の不確実性を考えると15年契約は長すぎます。当社は5年間延長するオプション付きの10年契約を希望します。このアプローチにより、長期的なコミットメントを行う前にパフォーマンスを評価できます。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Company Representative】:
That structure works for us. We can include a performance review at year 8 to discuss the extension. One more question: do you need us to coordinate with multiple loading ports, or will shipments depart from a single location?
(その構造で問題ありません。延長について協議するため、8年目にパフォーマンスレビューを含めることができます。もう一つ質問があります。複数の積載港との調整が必要ですか、それとも単一の場所から出荷されますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
We will utilize three loading ports in Australia and Malaysia. Your team must coordinate schedules with our procurement department to avoid conflicts. We also expect quarterly reports on vessel condition and operational efficiency.
(オーストラリアとマレーシアの3つの積載港を利用します。貴社チームは競合を避けるため、当社調達部門とスケジュールを調整する必要があります。また、船舶状態と運航効率に関する四半期報告も期待しています。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Company Representative】:
Understood. We will assign a dedicated account manager to coordinate with your team and provide those reports. I believe we have covered the main points. Let me prepare a detailed contract draft based on our discussion today.
(承知いたしました。貴社チームと調整し、それらの報告を提供する専任のアカウントマネージャーを配置いたします。主要なポイントはカバーできたと思います。本日の協議に基づいて詳細な契約草案を準備させていただきます。)
3. Use  (4 min)|ロールプレイ & 実践(空欄補完)

Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

Securing long-term charter contracts for dedicated LNG transport vessels with overseas shipping companies due to increased LNG procurement volume.
LNG調達量増加に伴い、海外船舶会社と専用輸送船の長期チャーター契約を確保する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Company Representative】:
Thank you for meeting with me today. We would like to discuss our long-term charter proposal for LNG carriers. Could you share your main requirements for this contract?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
Thank you for your proposal. We need to [安定化させる] our transportation costs and [確保する] reliable shipping schedules. Our LNG procurement volume will increase by 30 percent over the next 5 years, so we must secure dedicated vessels now.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Company Representative】:
I understand your situation. We can offer a 10-year charter contract at 45000 USD per day. This rate includes vessel maintenance, crew management, and insurance. How does this align with your budget expectations?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
Let me [詳しく説明する] on our concerns. First, we need to [評価する] whether this rate is competitive compared to spot market rates. Second, we must confirm the vessel specifications meet our cargo volume requirements. Third, we want to understand your contingency plan if a vessel becomes unavailable.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Company Representative】:
Those are valid points. Our rate is 8 percent below the current market average for long-term charters. Each vessel can accommodate 174000 cubic meters of LNG. If any vessel requires unexpected maintenance, we will provide a replacement within 48 hours.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
That sounds reasonable. However, we need to define the performance indicators clearly. We require 98 percent on-time delivery and immediate notification if any delays are [予想される]. Can you [コミットする] to these standards?

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Company Representative】:
We can commit to 98 percent on-time delivery. We will also implement a real-time tracking system so you can monitor vessel locations at all times. What about the contract duration? Would you consider a 15-year term for a reduced rate?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
A 15-year term is too long given market uncertainty. We prefer a 10-year contract with an option to extend for 5 additional years. This approach allows us to [評価する] performance before making a long-term commitment.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Company Representative】:
That structure works for us. We can include a performance review at year 8 to discuss the extension. One more question: do you need us to coordinate with multiple loading ports, or will shipments depart from a single location?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
We will utilize three loading ports in Australia and Malaysia. Your team must [調整する] schedules with our procurement department to avoid conflicts. We also expect quarterly reports on vessel condition and operational efficiency.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Company Representative】:
Understood. We will assign a dedicated account manager to coordinate with your team and provide those reports. I believe we have covered the main points. Let me prepare a detailed contract draft based on our discussion today.
4. Challenge (7 min)|応用実践

Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

*Let's practice this part repeatedly until we can speak it smoothly.

  このパートはスムーズにスピーキングできるようになるまで繰り返し練習しましょう。

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

Securing long-term charter contracts for dedicated LNG transport vessels with overseas shipping companies due to increased LNG procurement volume.
LNG調達量増加に伴い、海外船舶会社と専用輸送船の長期チャーター契約を確保する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Company Representative】:
Thank you for meeting with me today. We would like to discuss our long-term charter proposal for LNG carriers. Could you share your main requirements for this contract?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
Thank you for your proposal. [輸送コストを安定化させ、確実な輸送スケジュールを確保する必要があります。] Our LNG procurement volume will increase by 30 percent over the next 5 years, so we must secure dedicated vessels now.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Company Representative】:
I understand your situation. We can offer a 10-year charter contract at 45000 USD per day. This rate includes vessel maintenance, crew management, and insurance. How does this align with your budget expectations?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
[懸念事項について詳しく説明させてください。] [第一に、この料金がスポット市場の料金と比較して競争力があるかを評価する必要があります。] Second, we must confirm the vessel specifications meet our cargo volume requirements. Third, we want to understand your contingency plan if a vessel becomes unavailable.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Company Representative】:
Those are valid points. Our rate is 8 percent below the current market average for long-term charters. Each vessel can accommodate 174000 cubic meters of LNG. If any vessel requires unexpected maintenance, we will provide a replacement within 48 hours.
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
That sounds reasonable. However, we need to define the performance indicators clearly. We require 98 percent on-time delivery and immediate notification if any delays are anticipated. Can you commit to these standards?

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Company Representative】:
We can commit to 98 percent on-time delivery. We will also implement a real-time tracking system so you can monitor vessel locations at all times. What about the contract duration? Would you consider a 15-year term for a reduced rate?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
A 15-year term is too long given market uncertainty. We prefer a 10-year contract with an option to extend for 5 additional years. [このアプローチにより、長期的なコミットメントを行う前にパフォーマンスを評価できます。]

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Company Representative】:
That structure works for us. We can include a performance review at year 8 to discuss the extension. One more question: do you need us to coordinate with multiple loading ports, or will shipments depart from a single location?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
We will utilize three loading ports in Australia and Malaysia. Your team must coordinate schedules with our procurement department to avoid conflicts. We also expect quarterly reports on vessel condition and operational efficiency.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Company Representative】:
Understood. We will assign a dedicated account manager to coordinate with your team and provide those reports. I believe we have covered the main points. Let me prepare a detailed contract draft based on our discussion today.
\ If you have some extra capacity, give it a try(余力があればやってみましょう)/
5. Real-world application (5 min)|実務応用

Let's speak freely with the phrases and flow we learned today. If you can, imagine your real job—it makes practice more effective.
本日学習した単語やフレーズ、会話の流れを思い出しながら、自由に話してみましょう。可能であれば、自身の実務を想像しながら話すと効果的です。​

Situation / シチュエーション
A shipping company representative is proposing a long-term charter contract for LNG carriers to support your increased procurement volume.
You need to stabilize transportation costs and ensure reliable shipping schedules for the next 10 years.
海外の船舶会社担当者が、貴社のLNG調達量増加に対応する長期チャーター契約を提案しています。
今後10年間の輸送コストを安定化させ、確実な輸送スケジュールを確保する必要があります。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Shipping Company Representative】:
We have prepared a charter proposal for your LNG transportation needs. Could you explain your priorities for this long-term contract?
(貴社のLNG輸送ニーズに対するチャーター提案を準備いたしました。この長期契約における優先事項をご説明いただけますか?)

🧑‍🎓【Student / Your Role】:
(Free Speaking based on today's lesson)

Hints / ヒント
1. Explain cost stabilization requirements
2. Describe cargo volume specifications
3. Clarify performance standards
4. Present contract structure preferences
​※This is not a role-play. Please speak until you finish your thoughts.
 このパートはロールプレイ形式ではありません。最後まで通して話してみましょう。
6.  Wrap-up (2 min) |レッスンの振り返り

Let's review today's lesson with your teacher!
今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう!

 

6-1 Comments from student

・Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ
・Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ

 

6-2 Feedback from teacher

・Good points / 良かった点
・Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント
・What to review / 復習ポイント

 

*6-3 Questions from student (if any)

Japanese translation(日本語訳)

1. Read (2min)(型を学ぶ)|基本フレーズ

2. Try  (4min)(ロールプレイ練習)|型を使った練習
Let’s practice the role-play.
ロールプレイの練習をしましょう!

3. Use  (7min)|応用
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

4. Challenge (7min)|実践
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

5. Wrap-up (3min) – レッスンの振り返り

"Let’s review today’s lesson with your teacher!”

「今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう!」

5-1.  Comments from Student

  - Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ

  - Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ

5-2.  Feedback from Teacher

  - Good points / 良かった点

  - Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント

  - What to review / 復習ポイント

5-3. Question from Students (If any)

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