engleski

How maritime sector responds to the increased attractiveness of natural gas

The demand for natural gas, fossil fuel that is environmentally friendly, energetically efficient and at the same time economical and available in huge amounts, is bigger by each passing day as its usage is getting wider and wider. Taking into account the fact that gas pipes cannot be built throughout our planet, the maritime transportation plays a crucial role in connecting exporters and importers of natural gas. Maritime sector responds to the increased demand with the construction of new, big ships which demand modification on terminals, construction of larger storage capacities and cause changes in exploitation contracts for LNG ships. The supply side is clearly determined to follow the paths of increased demand but is the future of LNG ship-owners really that bright and certain? Is it possible that the increased demand causes the natural gas price to rise, consequently making the demand to fall? The number of LNG ships has risen progressively in late years ; it took 34 years to build first hundred LNG ships, eight years to reach the number 200 LNG ships and it seems that additional hundred ships will be built in just two years. Is it possible that supply exceeds the demand? Will the crew still be so punctiliously selected among only the best mariners? If no, can the safety of transportation be jeopardized? These are the questions that arise when a look is given to the LNG trade forecasts.

Natural gas; Liquefied natural gas (LNG); LNG carriers; LNG shipping

nije evidentirano