LNG

LNG hub changes

Petronas, the Malaysian energy company, has seen one of its subsidiaries, Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd (PCSB), take over the operatorship of the E11 natural gas hub, located 130 kilometres offshore Bintulu in Sarawak, the Malaysian state on the island of Borneo. Petronas noted that the E11 hub, which has been producing since 1982 under the Malaysia LNG production sharing contract, had been operated by Royal Dutch Shell unit Sarawak Shell Bhd (SSB) for the past 38 years.

Korean LNG fuel move

South Korea, the largest builder of LNG carriers to transport the fuel worldwide, is increasing its own domestic fleet of LNG-powered ships and is offering grants of up to 20 percent for ship owners to convert. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said that 39 small ships fuelled by LNG are expected to be completed at local shipyards in 2021, including 23 vessels to be used by Korean government agencies.

Charter rates increase

Shipping charter rates for LNG carriers in the spot market increased as Northern Hemisphere winter market demand surged. Rates were quoted at an average of between $168,000 per day and $172,0000 per day West of Suez. Spot rates of $158,000 to 162,000 were heard for the East of Suez charter market for vessels of between 155,000-165,000 cubic metres capacity, according to various brokers. One-year time charters also increased for the most modern vessels and ships were available for around $49,000 per day.