As many as 60 liquefied natural gas carriers could be ordered at China’s yards over the next three years, as the country boosts its LNG imports and continues its policy of using its own ships.
The prospect of China using vessels built, owned and flagged in China for its LNG imports does not bode well for shipowners in the world, therefore, they should look to opportunities presented by emerging LNG importers in Southeast Asia, such as Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, say analysts.
Analysts say expensive Australian LNG will prompt China to import more cargoes from further away — from the Middle East, West Africa and maybe the US — creating the need for this many vessels.
There are five Chinese-built LNG carriers, all of which were built at Hudong-Zhongua shipyard in Shanghai.
The yard has five more LNG vessels on its orderbook - one on sea trials prior to delivery and the other four being built for Japan’s Mitsui OSK Line.