ExxonMobil has set aside a series of up to 14 newbuilding berths for LNG carriers in South Korea as it prepares to extend its shipping position to match its project ­requirements.

Newbuilding sources said the US energy giant has reserved the slots at Samsung Heavy Industries, after singling out the yard as its preferred builder last year.

The move mirrors Shell’s LNG newbuilding strategy at Hyundai Heavy Industries, where it has ­detailed ship specifications and reserved berths, matching shipowners with eight of these last month.