If there is one sector that benefits from the global energy reconfiguration, it is that of LNG carriers. With their giant tanks, these ships, responsible for transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG), very popular with Asians, have also been more visible on European coasts since the start of the war in Ukraine. “In six months, we have obtained more orders than in the whole of 2021”explains Philippe Berterottière, CEO of Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT), a French design office whose engineers draw the plans for these buildings around the world.
In the first half, the company of 600 people signed a record number of orders, for 88 ships against 68 in 2021, over the whole year. What to ensure, she says, a well-filled order book until 2026, even if these signatures, and those of 2021, have not yet fully impacted the activity of the first half of 2022 (114 .2 million turnover). In fact, the company has experienced delays in the construction schedule. Setbacks resulting from “supply difficulties linked to the sanctions regime [visant la Russie] » Where of the “containments and social movements in Asia”.
Currently, 210 LNG carriers are being built around the world, in shipyards, mainly South Korean and Chinese, with the aim of being delivered until 2026, mainly in their region. Because Beijing, with 30% of orders, and Seoul, are today the main buyers.
“ Asians tend to stock up on LNG to avoid using coal that is too polluting. But when prices are too high, as is currently the case, they prefer to reopen their plants and resell part of their LNG to Europe”explains the boss of GTT, while China reduced its consumption by 10% in the first half. “ Currently, ships bound for Asia are often redirected to Europe, where Asians resell their cargo four times the price at which they buy it on long-term contracts.he says.
In addition to this Asian demand, there are therefore other parameters that explain the need for infrastructure for the years to come. As it happens, “ the expected acceleration of orders for LNG carriers from Qatar” as well as “ the increase in LNG demand in Europe ». According to the consulting firm Wood Mackenzie, European imports could increase by 40% in 2022. For its part, the International Energy Agency evokes an increase of 25%.
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