"New [LNG carrier] ordering will continue, provided finances are available," says Drewry Maritime Research.
In the short term, probably in 2013 and 2014, tight tonnage supply might not last long and rates might face downward pressure as many newbuildings enter the market.
But in the longer run, based on liquefaction capacity addition plans worldwide, a lot more LNG carriers are needed than are provided by the current newbuilding orderbook, Drewry explains.
"Rising project costs in the Asia-Pacific region, robust demand from emerging economies along with Japan and South Korea, and tight supply conditions are some of the reasons for firm LNG prices," Drewry added.