- The UP World LNG Shipping Index (UPI) slipped 0.34% to 166.39 points, while the S&P 500 fell 2.36%.
- Quarterly rebalancing added ADNOC Logistics & Services and COSCO SHIPPING Energy Transportation, expanding coverage to 21 companies.
- Spot rate concerns eased as TCE levels held near $70,000 per day, supported by long-term contracts and increased vessel scrapping.
- Individual stock moves were highly volatile, with New Fortress Energy plunging 25.3% and several peers posting double‑digit gains.
LNG shipping stocks saw a slight dip last week, with the UP World LNG Shipping Index (UPI) slipping 0.34% to 166.39 points, compared to a steeper decline in the S&P 500. Trading activity remained active, with notable price swings in individual companies. New Fortress Energy dropped 25.3%, while Awilco LNG, Cool Company, and Flex LNG posted double‑digit gains, testing key resistance levels on higher volumes. Japanese carriers, Nakilat, and Chevron approached resistance but did not break through. Market sentiment strengthened as concerns over spot rates eased, and the inclusion of ADNOC and COSCO in the index is set to broaden sector representation, according to the UP World LNG Shipping Index.
Weekly LNG Shipping Market Update
The UP World LNG Shipping Index (UPI), which tracks listed LNG shipping companies, slipped 0.34% last week to close at 166.39 points, while the S&P 500 fell 2.36%. The quarterly index rebalance on July 25 added two new constituents—ADNOC Logistics & Services plc of the United Arab Emirates and COSCO SHIPPING Energy Transportation Co., Ltd. of China—bringing the total to 21 publicly traded companies and partnerships, expanding global sector coverage.
Equity markets were under pressure as the U.S. administration set a deadline for new trade tariff negotiations, leading to a negative market outlook by Friday. Despite the modest overall decline in the UPI, individual stock movements were pronounced, with several companies recording double-digit gains or losses. Trading volumes were slightly above average.
Market concerns over spot rates have eased, with the daily time charter equivalent (TCE) for UPI companies holding near $70,000 per day, supported by long-term contracts. The steady rate environment has been aided by the accelerated scrapping of older steamships, now in double digits.
Among individual movers, New Fortress Energy (NYSE: NFE) saw the largest drop, falling 25.3% due to ongoing debt concerns despite optimism over recovery efforts. Awilco LNG (OSE: ALNG) gained 13.1%, briefly topping NOK 4.50 before closing at NOK 3.50. Cool Company (NYSE/OSE: CLCO) rose nearly 10%, while Flex LNG (NYSE/OSE: FLNG) added 8%, both testing resistance levels on strong volumes. Excelerate Energy (NYSE: EE) advanced 7.2%, rebounding from mid-June lows but stopping short of the next resistance zone.
SM Korea Line Corporation (KRX: 005880) declined 4.9% after failing to break through the 2000-won level. Exmar NV (BSE: EXM) gained 3%, while several others—including NYK Line, MOL, “K” Line, Nakilat, Chevron, and Capital Clean Energy Carriers—showed smaller moves of around 2%, often stalling near resistance levels.
Despite global uncertainties, the LNG shipping sector maintains long-term growth potential. Rising LNG demand, potential new long-term contracts, and strategic corporate actions could support future gains, although short-term volatility is expected as markets watch for breakouts at key technical levels.
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Source: UP World LNG Shipping Index
