Golar LNG is being considered a very safe bet over the long haul, particularly due to its floating LNG (FLNG) production unit Hilli Episeyo.

"For the third straight year, GLNG is our top long idea across our coverage universe," Evercore ISI analyst Jon Chappell wrote in his company's 126-page outlook on numerous industries, including shipping.

He said Golar LNG's "ground-breaking FLNG conversions are on the cusp" of producing gas first, creating tangible proof of the concept that will likely enhance the company's capital structure.