VesselsValue: Japan remains top LNG carrier owner

Japan owns the world’s most valuable fleet of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, and the nation is followed by Greece and China, according to the newest data by VesselsValue.

The value of the Japanese LNG fleet stands at $37.8 billion as of February 2024, Veson Nautical’s VesselsValue said on Tuesday.

Also, the value of the Japanese LNG fleet rose from $30.3 billion since VesselsValue’s last report in November 2022.

Out of the top ship owning countries, Japan owns the highest value fleets for LNG and LPG vessels by both value and by volume at 202 LNG vessels and 344 LPG carriers, it said.

Japan’s MOL and NYK both have huge LNG fleets.

Greek LNG fleet, which was first in 2021, has a value of $31.1 billion while China’s LNG fleet is worth $21.1 billion.

In terms of overall fleet value, Japan continues to lead, taking number one spot owning the highest valued fleet and, holding a total of about $206.3 billion in assets, VesselsValue said.

This is an increase of 5 percent since the last report in November 2022.

China has the largest number of vessels

China maintains its top position by vessel ownership, boasting a total of 6,084 vessels and a current fleet value amounting to $204 billion, VesselsValue said.

The country owns the largest bulker fleet, both in terms of vessels and values, and also owns the largest number of tankers and containers.

Greece has maintained its position as the third-ranked country by both total number of vessels in its fleet and overall value.

The country is also the owner of the second largest LNG fleet, with 143 vessels, VesselsValue said.

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