So far this year LNG carrier newbuilding orders have reached 17 units.
According to Clarkson, 43 LNG carriers were ordered after the tsunami and Fukushima disaster last year and a further 17 in 2012.
Total orderbook globally comprises 75 LNG carriers, 33 by Greek-controlled companies.
As of present, operating LNG tankers world fleet consists of 372 vessels. A shortage in LNG tankers is caused by the shift in LNG routes, with US and EU import going down and rising in Japan, which means longer distances.