GTT raises LNG carrier order forecast amid U.S. export boom

French LNG storage and containment specialist GTT has sharply increased its decade-long forecast for LNG carrier orders, citing a surge in U.S. investment in liquefaction capacity. The company now expects about 550 LNG carrier gas containment system design orders between 2026 and 2035, up from its prior estimate of more than 450. CEO François Michel attributed the upward revision to “the strong acceleration of investment in liquefaction capacities, notably in the U.S.” Final investment decisions were made on 84 million tons per year of new LNG capacity last year, followed by another 37 million tons in the first half of this year, with an additional 29 million tons of projects receiving limited notice to proceed. GTT reported 56 LNG carrier orders in the first half of 2026, bringing its backlog to 272 vessels. The company also announced plans to expand into turnkey LNG fuel tank construction for ships and introduce digital route optimization tools to reduce gas boil-off. The global LNG carrier market is being driven by rising Asian gas consumption, Europe’s pivot away from Russian pipeline gas, and U.S. policy pushing for increased exports to Europe. GTT’s CEO stated there is “no sign of slowdown in investment in LNG,” despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.