75% of the active LNG tanker fleet was built in South Korea

LNG tankers are highly specialized vessels that use cryogenic tanks to maintain very low temperatures to keep the natural gas liquified. At the end of 2024, there were 742 active LNG tankers according to the IGU 2025 LNG report, with 75% built in South Korea, 15% in Japan, and 7% in China. An additional 337 tankers have been ordered for delivery by 2031 with a record 101 vessels expected to be delivered in 2026. The U.S. built several LNG tankers in the 1970’s, but most have been scrapped or are at the end of their lifespan.