Korea Holds 61% of LNG Carrier Orders as China Closes In

Global LNG carrier orders reached 66 vessels from January to Sept. 18, 2026, with Korea taking 40 ships (61.2%) and China 26 (38.8%) after its share fell to 8.1% last year. China's Hengli Heavy Industry is close to its first LNG carrier order, expanding the number of capable Chinese yards from five to six.

• Global LNG carrier orders hit 66 vessels in 2026, Korea booked 40
• China's share rebounded to 38.8% from 8.1% in 2025
• Hengli nears first LNG carrier order, yards to grow to six
• Chinese shipyards won 121.06 million DWT of orders in H1