Market analysts and shipbuilders expect up to 10 more orders for large LNG carriers before the end of 2026, on top of 66 vessels already ordered globally between January and 18 September. South Korean and Chinese yards are vying for these contracts, while future US and Qatari LNG export projects are set to shape demand through the late 2020s.
According to data from UK-based Clarkson Research, global orders for large LNG carriers reached 66 units between January and 18 September 2026. At a recent non-deal roadshow, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering told investors it expects total LNG carrier orders this year to reach as many as 80 vessels, implying room for up to 10 additional orders by year-end. These orders are largely driven by current market conditions rather than the yet‑to‑materialise large export projects in the US and Qatar, indicating a robust baseline demand for gas shipping capacity.
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