Reuters reported an increase in demand for the construction of LNG tankers

Global demand for the construction of tankers for the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) will recover this year after a recession in 2025. This was reported by the Reuters news agency on April 27.

Since the end of last year, shipbuilding companies in South Korea and China have received more orders, according to consulting companies Poten & Partners and Drewry. Thus, in the first quarter of 2026, 35 contracts for the construction of new tankers were signed, compared with 37 orders for the whole of 2025.

It is noted that the cost of each tanker is $250-260 million, and its construction takes more than three years. In addition, the upcoming start of LNG production in the United States, Africa, Canada and Argentina will lead to increased demand for tankers, as well as increased fuel efficiency and accelerated ship demolition, said Pratiksha Negi, Drewry's lead LNG analyst.

The shutdown of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has hit the entire world. And here's why

In March, the Financial Times newspaper noted that the world is facing the threat of a sharp reduction in LNG supplies, as the last tankers from the Persian Gulf countries will arrive at their destinations in the coming days. The situation is also related to the suspension of exports from Qatar, which provides about a fifth of the global LNG market, after the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and strikes on the largest Ras Laffan complex.