A price fight over the first in a series of LNG carrier newbuildings has resumed between South Korean shipbuilders and QatarEnergy as the Middle East producer tries to forge ahead with its huge haul of vessels.

Those following the business said QatarEnergy, which has been running a tender process through compatriot producer Qatargas after reserving up to 151 LNG carrier berths, believed that it had locked in prices with Korean yards on the at least 20 slots it has already declared.