LNG

Energy Aspects has pushed back its Qatari LNG ramp-up forecast by a further two weeks, now expecting a partial recovery from mid-August. Q3-26 loadings are seen at 5.4 million tons, down from 6.1 Mt previously, as markets price in elevated risk from prolonged Hormuz disruptions, though TTF is still unlikely to exceed €70/MWh over the balance of summer.

Near-term availability of floating LNG terminals is tightening fast, with Fernley expecting a fresh wave of vessel conversions as floating storage and regas units (FSRUs) have achieved their highest-ever share of global LNG imports.

Alternative-fuelled ship orders declined in the first half this year, but LNG remained the dominant choice among shipowners, accounting for 73 of 137 vessels ordered, according to DNV, mainly for containerships and car carriers.

Delfin Midstream is close to signing a contract with Samsung Heavy Industries for the supply of the second and third floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) vessels for its Delfin LNG export project in Louisiana.

The Al Sahla, a 211,842 cbm Q-Flex that went dark near the Strait of Hormuz on 25 May, did not complete its transit. It was previously widely reported as heading to China with arrival on 14 June. LNG Journal's vessel tracking data shows the vessel is currently en route to Kuwait’s Al Zour terminal.

Q-Flex LNG carrier Al Sahla is at Iranian anchorage after attempting Hormuz transit, with two further Qatari vessels turned back in same window as Iran's enforcement posture appears to have shifted.

Japan’s three major shipping lines – Nippon Yusen, Kawasaki Kaisha and Mitsui O.S.K. – have suspended all vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz following US and Israeli air strikes on Iran. Instead, they order LNG carriers and crude oil tankers to standby in the Persian Gulf in safe waters, impacting prices.

EU member states spent more than €7.2 billion ($8.4 billion) on Yamal LNG last year – despite a full ban on LNG imports coming into force on January 1, 2027.  “Russia has no adequate alternative to the EU market,” Urgewalt analysts commented, noting more than three-quarters of all Yamal LNG exports currently go to Europe.

Cosco Shipping is expanding its exposure on LNG-capable tonnage with an order for 87 new vessels from several yards affiliated with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). The order, valued at more than RMB 50 billion (about US$7 billion), covers container ships, bulk carriers, tankers and car carriers scheduled to be delivered through to 2030.

Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT) of France has been hired by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) to design the tank for a new LNG carrier, built on behalf of Purus. Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HSHI) is assembling the vessel, due for delivery in Q4-2027.