Energy major BP believes more LNG carriers will be built on speculation as shipowners wake up to the opportunities offered by the growing need for flexibility in the LNG markets.

Speaking at CWC’s World LNG Summit in Lisbon, BP global head of LNG Jonty Shepard said: “We have seen shipping rates go through the roof this winter,” explaining that this has pushed up prices and disincentivising the movement of cargoes from the Atlantic Basin to Asia.