The price of an LNG carrier newbuilding is edging up towards $200m because of steel price rises, currency weakness and the higher cost of equipment.
Brokers said levels have climbed by $10m to $15m this year after hovering about $185m for four years.
One senior expert said prices are currently around the mid-$190m level, but extra features to improve efficiency would push this to the high-$190m level and above.
