South Korea and China Clash Over LNG Carrier Market

A total of 82 large LNG carriers have been ordered worldwide since the start of 2026, with South Korean shipyards taking 44 orders (53.7%) and Chinese yards 35 (42.7%). The gap has narrowed from 29 vessels last year to under 10. China is expanding capacity and building 271,000 cubic meter carriers, while Korea counters with efficiency: HD Hyundai's world-first three-tank design and Samsung's X-Reli reliquefaction system.

• 82 large LNG carriers ordered worldwide since the start of 2026
• South Korea holds 53.7% (44 vessels), China 42.7% (35 vessels)
• China is building a 271,000 cubic meter carrier, 56% larger than Korean 174,000 cubic meter ships
• HD Hyundai cut boil-off rate to 0.08% while raising capacity to 176,800 cubic meters