Middle East producer QatarEnergy was responsible for almost 70% of all the 65 LNG newbuildings contracted in the first half of this year, which has racked up more than double the vessels confirmed in the same period of 2023.

The figures for 2024 were bolstered by the ongoing Phase 2 of QatarEnergy’s colossal LNG shipbuilding project, which from January to June saw charter deals signed with owners on 45 newbuildings worth just over $12bn.