Cheniere LNG tanker boost

U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) producer Cheniere Energy has expanded its shipping fleet with a flurry of spot vessel charters to keep up with Asian winter demand growth as spot prices hit three-year highs, according to market sources. Cheniere's Sabine Pass, La., terminal pumped out 22 cargoes last month. It is ramping up a fourth production unit with more than half of all November volumes sold to China, Japan or South Korea. Cheniere, which continues to bring new production to market, has chartered seven additional LNG carriers on spot markets as firm demand stretches its existing fleet. A company spokesman confirmed Cheniere currently has 22 ships on the water. (Source: Marine Professional 12/05/17)