Wedoany.com Report on Mar 7th, According to industry sources, QatarEnergy has recently offered 10 LNG carriers for charter. This move comes against the backdrop of the company's announcement of a shutdown at its facility with an annual capacity of 77 million tons and a significant rise in liquefied natural gas freight rates.

Qatar's Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi told the media, "Even if the conflict ends immediately, it will take weeks to months to return to normal deliveries." The company has declared force majeure on LNG shipments, impacting global supply.

The production halt has intensified competition for LNG cargoes in both the Atlantic and Pacific regions, driving natural gas prices and freight rates in Europe and Asia to multi-year highs.

The vessels offered for charter include at least three Q-Flex carriers, with a capacity of approximately 210,000 cubic meters, capable of loading about 50% more cargo than conventional vessels. They are typically used for exporting LNG to Europe or Asia. The other vessels are dual-fuel, two-stroke engine ships with a capacity of 174,000 cubic meters. Most are available for immediate charter, with some becoming available from mid-March.

LNG freight rates surged significantly this week. Data shows Atlantic rates increased to $264,250 per day, reaching their highest level since December 2022, while Pacific rates also rose to $219,250 per day.