Analysis Of LNG Carriers

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LNG carriers, or Liquid natural gas carriers, are large tankers carrying liquefied natural gas. A relatively new industry, LNG carriers offer a promising alternative mode of transporting natural gas because the liquid state is 500 times more condensed. There are currently over 400 LNG carriers in the world, but each company in the industry is pushing those numbers. The key to this industry is to expand the amount of terminals for LNG Carriers, and this is the greatest barrier to both new entrants, and success. Overcoming this, and continuously looking for ways to make the extraction process easier, is the keys to truly developing this industry.
The LNG Carrier industry faces several palpable long­term risks. The first and foremost is alternative energy sources. Alternative modes of energy like solar or nuclear, are becoming more and more attractive as climate science is coming up with more dangerous conclusions. Even though LNG is more environmentally friendly than oil drilling, it leaves a great deal to be desired when it comes to ecological consciousness. This has the potential to fundamentally drive down the demand for their product, and they may have to price much lower in the future. If there is no demand for LNG, then, they certainly will not want be any for LNG carriers.
Teekay Partners L.P. is the third largest independent LNG carrier company in the world, and is growing very rapidly. They have grown 18% over the last year, and that comes primarily from investing any net income back into the company, to generate more ships. The more vessels an LNG company has, the more it can drive down price and the more likely it is to capture an exclusivity contract with a gas extractor. Within the next three years, the plan is to have ...

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...the kind of security necessary to really maximize an investment like this. Since there is so much competition in other regions around the globe for LNG, exploring new market options could allow Teekay just the right niche.
Working with the energy sector of the U.S. is empirically a valuable venture. U.S. will likely reduce many regulations in order to allow more movement into their energy sector. Being an energy exporter to the world would decrease the need for OPEC and make the United States a better competitor in realms that aren’t just human capital. 10­25 year exclusive contracts with American shale businesses could be everything that Teekay needs to gain that edge. Additionally, just the speculation of a venture like would
LNG Carrier Analysis—Pg.7 April 6, 2014 launch the stock price of this company, and incentivize new investors to lend shares for new capital.

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