Major gas companies like Shell and Chevron have warned Australia against a windfall tax on LNG exports, citing potential investment deterrence and energy security risks amid rising prices from the Iran conflict. As Australia becomes the second-largest LNG supplier, leaders emphasize the need for stable policies to encourage long-term investment.
Three Australian liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities have suffered production disruptions due to Tropical Cyclone Narelle, affecting global supply. Woodside and Chevron reported outages at key plants, complicating matters for Asian buyers already impacted by halted shipments from Qatar. Spot prices are likely to surge, intensifying market strain.
Enagás and Axpo launched the Alisios LNG, a new liquefied natural gas bunkering vessel, at the port of Huelva, Spain. This 12,500-cubic-meter vessel aims to support the maritime sector’s decarbonization by enhancing the use of LNG and bio-LNG, significantly reducing CO2 emissions across the Iberian Peninsula.
Just nine months before the EU’s ban on Russian LNG takes effect, European buyers secured every cargo from the Yamal LNG project in February 2026. This highlights the stark contrast between the EU’s energy policies and market realities, as reliance on Russian Arctic gas persists despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and sanctions.
Recent strikes by the U.S. and Israel on Iran have caused major disruptions in global shipping, particularly in the critical Strait of Hormuz. The Joint Maritime Information Center has declared the threat level as CRITICAL, leading to attacks on commercial vessels and halting over 80% of transits, significantly affecting oil markets.
India has secured a $3 billion deal to purchase liquefied natural gas from the UAE, making it the UAE’s top customer. This agreement, established during a meeting between UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to bolster trade and defense relations.
Woodside Energy Trading Singapore has secured a sale and purchase agreement with Japan’s JERA for liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply during peak winter months. The deal commits Woodside to deliver three LNG cargoes annually, totaling 0.2 million tonnes over five years, enhancing the long-term supply relationship between the companies.
An Arc7 ice-class LNG carrier, the Christophe de Margerie, has made history by completing the first winter pickup of LNG from Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 plant. Loaded on December 19, this pivotal achievement for Novatek signifies an effort to sustain production amid Arctic winter challenges, highlighting advancements in ice-class shipping capabilities.
In October 2025, 30 new orders for alternative-fueled vessels were recorded, with 26 being LNG-fueled container ships. Overall, 222 orders for such vessels emerged in the first ten months, marking a 52% increase from 2024. The container segment dominated, accounting for 65% of these new orders.
Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has marked a pivotal moment in India’s maritime industry by securing its first international order for container vessels, valued between $225 million and $300 million. This milestone, which involves constructing six LNG-powered feeder ships for CMA CGM, positions India as a rising contender in global shipbuilding.
Hanwha Ocean of South Korea has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by completing the world’s first ship-to-ship transfer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) during sea trials off Geoje Island. This operation, involving the vessels Maran Gas Syros and Woodside Jirrubakura, underscores advancements in LNG transport technology and clean energy shipping.
Lloyd’s Register’s latest Fuel for Thought report highlights LNG’s dominance as the primary alternative marine fuel, citing its cost-effectiveness, emissions compliance, and growth in orders for LNG-capable vessels. The report emphasizes the importance of addressing methane slip and advancing cleaner LNG production methods for long-term sustainability. Industry leaders are embracing LNG for decarbonization strategies.
Titan Clean Fuels and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) recently completed a groundbreaking LNG and bio-LNG bunkering operation in Belgium. This operation showcased the potential of bio-LNG to reduce GHG emissions in the shipping industry. MOL’s commitment to LNG-fueled vessels highlights the importance of sustainable fuels in achieving decarbonization goals.
South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) is leading a project to recycle evaporated gas emitted during the construction of liquefied natural gas-powered ships into city gas. The initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and is part of a national task established by the South Korean Ministry.
Anglo-Eastern has inaugurated a new LNG/ammonia bunkering station skid at Mumbai Maritime Academy on February 20, 2025, enhancing training for safe fueling of LNG- and ammonia-powered vessels. This advanced facility aims to equip industry professionals with essential skills in handling emerging fuels, promoting maritime safety and sustainability amid rising demand.
