A record run of liquefaction deals has left banks pricing American LNG export risk more cheaply than at almost any point in the sector's history. Whether that confidence survives the coming wave of supply is a question the forecasters themselves cannot agree on, writes our Markets Editor, Dr Alexander Wilk. 

LNG carrier ordering activity rebounded in the first half of 2026 after slowing last year as persistent risks to shipments via the Strait of Hormuz increase tonnage-mile demand, with Asian buyers seeking substitute Atlantic Basin cargoes. Established shipowners, including BW LNG, TMS Cardiff Gas and Hayfin are seen circling Korean shipyards for 2029 delivery slots, as term-charter demand is expected to stay sufficiently robust to absorb the incoming fleet, writes our Markets Editor Anja Karl.

Tuesday, 01 September 2026 09:26

Waiting on the Strait

The recovery lasted one month. June's rise in global exports gave way in July to a market shaped by what the Strait of Hormuz would not let through: Ras Laffan ran at 23 percent utilisation, Middle East output sat 65 percent below last year, and the United States carried the system by default – 32 percent of global exports and 58 percent of European imports – even as its own volumes slipped on the month. European gas storage closed July 12 points behind last year, and the EU enters the peak injection window as the residual buyer once more, our Markets Editor Dr Alexander Wilk writes. 

Global natural gas consumption has experienced a steady, multi-decade ascent, solidifying its role in the international energy mix.  Authors: Rainer Kurz (RKSBenergy) & Klaus Brun (Ebara Elliott Energy) 

Traditionally, natural gas transport relied on expansive pipeline networks to bridge the gap between production fields and final consumers. Pipelines, however, are inherently restricted by geography. 

As the world continues its shift to fuels with lower carbon intensity, demand for LNG continues to grow*. 

Europe is expected to become more reliant on LNG, while in Asia it remains central to fuel vast infrastructure projects. 

These are among the reasons Bloomberg expects LNG demand to grow by 39% by the end of 2030 and as a result, more facilities are planned and already under construction.

Integrated floating modular energy hubs could redefine the role of LNG infrastructure in a single scalable platform, writes Rostom Merzouki, ABS’ Vice President, Global Sustainability. 

By John de Viet, KROHNE Solutions Development & Sales Support Manager* 

A fundamental mismatch in availability of LNG bunkering at core maritime hubs in the US is set to shape the next phase of infrastructure development, creating a raft of opportunities for operators that can move quickly.  Fuelling Editor Malcolm Ramsay has more. 

Ultra-small scale LNG fuelling solutions have long been seen as relevant only for remote regions but the latest developments in these technologies are now spurring a more important shift, as providers realise the vital energy security role these systems can play.  Fuelling Editor Malcolm Ramsay explores further. 

Bangladesh: Bangladesh is turning to the US for a long-term LNG supply deal, as it seeks to shore up energy supplies amid disruptions in global gas markets caused ‌by the US/Israeli conflict with Iran.