Atlantic firmness lifts spot LNG carrier rates but weakness to follow

Atlantic LNG carrier spot earnings moved higher last week, with the strongest momentum recorded in west-of-Suez positions linked to early March availability.

Clarksons noted “continued modest gains in the LNG carrier spot market”, adding that “tightening availability for early March dates in the West” lifted “the average spot rate for a 174,000-m³ 2-stroke vessel” by 5% week-on-week to US$25,000 per day.

The same directional trend showed up in several broker benchmarks, although with divergent regional performance.

Braemar also flagged a softer tone to weekly LNG shipping activity in its commentary.

Looking ahead, with China entering a New Year national holiday that can stretch for two weeks, all shipping markets are expected to be quieter than normal.