Demand for LNG carriers for floating storage is expected to rise sending charter rates higher if cargoes continue to flood onto the market, according to shipbroker and consultant Poten & Partners.

Manager for short-term forecasting Kristen Holmquist said that while the company’s preliminary data for March shows a fall in the number of LNG ships being used for floating storage from February, they also reveal a tightening shipping market where there are fewer vessels available for charter.