Surge in LNG carrier orders at South Korean shipyards

Shipowners flocked to South Korean shipyards in the first three months of this year to order LNG carriers, most of which have been contracted on a speculative basis.

Figures compiled by TradeWinds from brokers and yards show 16 LNG newbuildings were booked during the first quarter. Twelve of them are thought to be charter free.

The orders are already closing in on the 21 LNG ships logged throughout 2017.