QatarEnergy moves empty LNG carriers back into the Gulf
Qatar is repositioning LNG carriers back into the Middle East Gulf as loadings resume and is understood to be seeking short-term charter coverage. Offtakers are counting on QatarEnergy’s promise to reinstate at least half of Ras Laffan production capacity within a month of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz being restored.
Term charters back in favour as shield against price spikes
Long-term LNG charters – not spot cargoes – are buyers’ favourite, once again, as they provide greater protection against freight rate spikes and shipping disruptions. This trend could tighten global LNG carrier availability for years to come.
Shipping – biggest obstacle to resume Qatari LNG flows
QatarEnergy CEO Saad al-Kaabi has identified shipping logistics as the biggest hindrance to resuming LNG exports from Ras Laffan once the Strait of Hormuz reopens, underlining tight tanker availability and routing constraints may impact the recovery of one of the world’s largest LNG export terminals.
Petronas signs 20-yr charter with MISC for five LNG carriers
Malaysia’s Petronas has signed 20‑year time charter agreements with MISC Group for five newbuild LNG carriers, with deliveries due to begin in 2029 and continue into 2030.
Knutsen’s LNG charter backlog surpasses $15 billion
Norwegian shipping firm Knutsen seeks to defend its position in the LNG carrier market as activity heats up, with its charter backlog surpassing $15 billion across 68 operating vessels.
QatarEnergy puts 10 LNG carriers up for charter
QatarEnergies is offering 10 LNG carriers for lease in a bid to monetise idle shipping capacity, following the suspension of output at its 77 mtpa liquefaction facility. The 10 LNG carriers on offer for charter, include large Q‑Flex vessels and modern dual‑fuel ships.
MOL, GAIL 10-yr LNG charter bolsters India’s gas import logistics
GAIL India and Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL) have signed a 10-year time charter for the LNG carrier GAIL Bhuwan in a move expected to expand India’s LNG shipping capacity, improve import logistics and support the country’s growing gas demand.
Iraq eyes importing US LNG via Excelerate FSRU
The Iraqi government plans to seal an agreement with Excelerate Energy to import US LNG via a floating storage and regas unit. The FSRU could supply up to 500 MMcf/d, potentially replacing about half of the gas previously sourced from Iran.
First cargo arrives at Egypt’s FSRU in Damietta
Arrival of the first cargo marks the launch of EGAS’ new floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) in Damietta. The ‘Energos Winter’, a 138,250-cubic-metre vessel, has been chartered at an estimated cost of $3 million per month, complementing the existing FSRU at Ain Sokhna.
Vopak secures Seapeak FSRU for Australian LNG import project
Vopak has signed an accord with shipping firm Seapeak to provide a floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) for its planned LNG import terminal in Australia’s Victoria state. The FSRU is mean to receive cargoes from 2029, helping to avert supply shortages.
