Chinese builders escalate LNG carrier push, squeezing Korea’s lead
Hengli Heavy Industry Group, the shipbuilder that won the most orders in China in the first half of this year, is moving into the liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier segment, which has a high technical barrier. If Hengli Heavy Industry actually starts building LNG carriers, it will become the sixth shipbuilder in China capable of ...
Chinese shipbuilders are ramping up their efforts in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier sector, potentially challenging Korea's long-standing dominance in the market. Hengli Heavy Industry Group, the shipbuilder that secured the most orders in China during the first half of this year, is now eyeing the LNG carrier segment, which is notorious for its technical complexity.
By building LNG carriers first and selling them later, Hengli Heavy Industry would join a list of five other Chinese shipbuilders capable of producing these vessels. Currently, Korea leads the global LNG carrier market since the 2000s, but Chinese shipbuilders, bolstered by strong technology and productivity, are closing the gap with competitive pricing.
As Hengli Heavy Industry prepares for potential LNG carrier construction, the competition to secure orders could intensify, potentially shifting the balance of power in the industry.
Written by urgent.news from Hellenic Shipping News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.