The IMO sulphur cap that enters force on 1 January is giving the LNG shipping sector another reason for optimism. After all, regulators are demanding cleaner fuel, and LNG helps fit that bill.

And while most shipowners will choose other fuelling options, LNG shipping experts like MOL's Takeshi Hashimoto say it will look more competitive once shipowners come to grips with the higher cost of low-sulphur fuel.