LNG shipbuilding capacity to tighten

Shipyards are nearing their limits due to strong demand for carriers

Global shipbuilding capacity for large LNG carriers could face a crunch in the coming years following a deluge of orders in recent months from buyers keen to lock in slots at shipyards. Companies placed a total of 38 orders for newbuild LNG tankers with a capacity of at least 140,000m³ in the first eight months of this year, according to Clarksons, the world’s largest shipbroker. This compares with last year’s 55 orders, which was nearly level with 2019 and 2018. LNG carrier deliveries have been robust throughout this year, with on average approaching five new vessels delivered every month in the first seven months of 2021. 38—LNG carrier orders in 2021 Twenty-four conventional LNG