LNG shipping set for more challenges

The sector may have seen a more rational 2020 so far. But that is no guarantee it has learnt its lessons

Some capital discipline appears to have materialised—or perhaps been forced on to ship owners—in the LNG shipping sector in 2020, after several years of subpar returns, deeply depressed share prices and general angst. But there remain significant risks to calling any definitive return to better times.    LNG shipping has over the past 10-15 years transitioned from a floating pipeline market to a more commoditised, increasingly spot-orientated business more similar to the crude tanker market. The combination of an increased number of LNG buyers and sellers and a knife fight to win long-term contracts led to ship owners increasingly being willing to accept: 1) building on a speculative basis i