Post-quake, shipbuilders ready for LNG orders

Renewed concerns about atomic power triggered by an earthquake and nuclear crisis in Japan may spur orders for liquefied-natural gas tankers already in short supply, according to Mirae Asset Securities Co.

“The earthquake is a landmark event for the shipbuilding industry,” Lee Sokje, a Seoul-based Mirae analyst, said today. “Demand for LNG is going to grow as a source of alternative energy, which could lead to a shortage of vessels. There’s already not a lot available.” 
Only 10 new LNG tankers have been ordered worldwide in the past three years, creating the smallest backlog among major commercial-vessel types, according to Mirae. China, Germany, the UK and Switzerland are among countries to have delayed or reviewed nuclear plans as engineers try to prevent a meltdown at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi plant north of Tokyo following the March 11 magnitude-9 temblor.