Fewer LNG carriers may be required than currently anticipated if the US’ “temporary” pause on permitting for LNG projects continues, according to US consultants and broker Poten & Partners.

In a piece carried in the brokerage’s LNG World Markets, Poten said the US decision to pause the issuing of non-free-trade-agreement (FTA) permits could potentially affect approvals and extensions for 21 pre-final investment decision LNG export projects.