China to build more LNG tankers

Chinese shipyards are aiming to take US$10 billion worth of orders for new liquefied natural gas tankers over the rest of the decade, Reuters reported. The push to build its own natural gas delivery vessels will boost China’s capability in high-tech ships and pose a challenge to South Korean and Japanese shipyards that have been the main suppliers of large gas tankers for 30 years. Up to 50 LNG tankers, or more than 20% of the 225 LNG vessels expected to be added worldwide by the end of 2020, are set to be built in China to deliver gas to its ports, according to estimates from ship safety agency the American Bureau of Shipping.