S. Korean Shipyards Forecast to Win Most LNG Carrier Orders

South Korean shipbuilders are expected to win the bulk of global orders for liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers this year thanks to their capabilities to build such ships, industry sources said Wednesday. The country's three shipbuilders -- Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Samsung Heavy Industries Co. and STX Shipbuilding Co.-- have clinched the world's 12 LNG ship orders placed this year, they said.

Samsung Heavy Industries has received orders for six LNG carriers so far this year, followed by Daewoo with five orders and STX with one. About 40 to 60 LNG ships are expected to be ordered worldwide this year by countries such as Nigeria, Angola, Spain and Australia, according to the sources. Daewoo Shipbuilding is expected to receive 30 LNG carrier orders from Nigeria as the company has friendly relations with the African country by participating in the development of an offshore oil field, a company official said. Samsung Heavy Industries is also stepping up its efforts to secure more LNG ship orders, with STX Shipbuilding pushing to gain more as well, the sources said. Source: Yonhap