Shipowners have rushed to shipyards for LNG carrier newbuildings in the first three months of this year, notching up over 35 orders, many of them speculative.
Brokers detail that at least 15 of these orders are without firm business and highlight a further six contracted by established LNG owners that could also be charter-free at present.
The mini-newbuilding boom has introduced some new names into the LNG tonnage-owning fold including Greek owners Minerva Maritime and Capital Gas, Monaco-based Celsius Tankers along with Chinese trader Jovo Group.
