Interest in very large gas carrier (VLGC) newbuildings remains hot despite the global orderbook now standing at a record level of more than 50 ships.
Shipyards have expressed surprise that enquiries for large LPG carriers are continuing after an unprecedented 30-plus vessels were contracted last year, which compares with a previous high of 27 around the 2008 to 2009 period.
One yard official focusing on this market predicts there are another 10 to 15 VLGC newbuildings in the works that he expects will be firmed up in the first half of this year, with Western European shipowners likely to be behind the bulk of them.
