LNG carriers ended 2023 with more of a whimper than the bang of record spot charter rates seen a year ago. But which direction are they headed for 2024?

Asked about the charter market, one shipowner said: “It’s anyone’s guess,” going on to describe the outlook for the sector as “clear as mud”.

“For all I know, it could fall off a cliff,” he said, “but that cliff won’t last very long.”