Atlantic LNG Shipping Rates Reach Highest Level in Almost Two Years
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Nov 17 2025
0mins
Source: SeekingAlpha
Rising LNG Transportation Costs: The cost of transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) across the Atlantic has surged to its highest level since January 2024, with spot rates increasing by 19% to $98,250/day.
Increased LNG Exports: North America's LNG exports have risen nearly 40% year-to-date, driven by increased production and new projects, necessitating more vessels for delivery to Europe and Asia.
Market Dynamics: The recent spike in shipping costs comes after a prolonged period of low rates due to an oversupply of available ships in the market.
Key Players in the Market: U.S. companies involved in LNG include Cheniere Energy, Venture Global, New Fortress Energy, NextDecade, and Exxon Mobil, with various ETFs also linked to the sector.
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Analyst Views on LNG
Wall Street analysts forecast LNG stock price to fall
11 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 294.580
Low
258.00
Averages
274.09
High
290.00
Current: 294.580
Low
258.00
Averages
274.09
High
290.00
About LNG
Cheniere Energy, Inc. is the producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the United States. The Company provides clean and secure LNG to integrated energy companies, utilities, and energy trading companies worldwide. It operates two natural gas liquefaction and export facilities at Sabine Pass, Louisiana (Sabine Pass LNG Terminal) and near Corpus Christi, Texas (Corpus Christi LNG Terminal). Sabine Pass LNG Terminal, which has natural gas liquefaction facilities consisting of six operational trains, for a total production capacity of approximately 30 million tons per annum (mtpa) of LNG (the SPL Project). Corpus Christi LNG Terminal near Corpus Christi, Texas, consists of three trains for a total production capacity of approximately 15 mtpa of LNG, three LNG storage tanks and two marine berths. It also owns and operates a 94-mile natural gas supply pipeline that interconnects the Sabine Pass LNG Terminal with several large interstate and intrastate pipelines.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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Industry Insights: CEO Matt Schatman highlights the difficulties and limitations within the development sector in the region.
See More
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- Natural Gas Flow Enhancement: Canadian Energy Minister Tim Hodgson announced plans to increase natural gas flows to the U.S. to meet the power needs of American data centers and boost LNG exports from the Gulf Coast, highlighting the importance of U.S.-Canada energy cooperation.
- High-Level Dialogue Outcomes: At the CERAWeek energy conference, Hodgson had a “wonderful conversation” with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum about how to support the U.S. AI strategy through increased gas supply, emphasizing energy's critical role in technological advancement.
- Oil Sands Production Adjustment: To maintain current output levels, the Canadian government has requested oil sands producers to delay Q2 maintenance, ensuring continued oil supply to the U.S. and its allies, reflecting a focus on energy supply stability.
- Positive Market Reaction: As supplies tighten, gas-related stocks have risen, indicating a positive market response to Canada's gas export plans, while QatarEnergy declared force majeure on LNG contracts, further intensifying market concerns over supply.
See More
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- Market Disruption: Goldman Sachs anticipates that the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market will remain disrupted through 2027 due to the U.S.-Iran war, with Qatar's LNG export capacity reduced by 17% from Iranian attacks, impacting about 3% of global LNG supply.
- Earnings Upgrade: Goldman raised Venture Global's EBITDA estimates for 2026 through 2028 by 62% on average, maintaining a buy rating with a price target of $18.50, indicating a 17% upside from Monday's close, reflecting the company's strong leverage to rising global gas prices.
- Investment Potential: Cheniere Energy is also favored by Goldman, receiving a buy rating and a price target of $312, suggesting nearly a 9% gain from Monday's close, as its capital allocation strategy positions it well for significant stock buybacks in Q3 and Q4 of 2025.
- Risk Factors: Despite the upward revisions in earnings estimates across the LNG sector, Goldman cautions that significant commodity price volatility and uncertainty in energy markets pose risks to the growth outlook for Venture Global, Cheniere Energy, and Golar LNG.
See More
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- Force Majeure Declaration: QatarEnergy declared force majeure on some long-term LNG supply contracts due to Iranian attacks that knocked out 17% of its LNG export capacity, threatening supplies to Europe and Asia, which could lead to price increases in the global market.
- Market Analysis: Jefferies analyst Emma Schwartz noted that U.S. LNG exporters are expected to benefit from tighter supply and increased diversification, highlighting Cheniere's ability to capitalize on market conditions despite low spot exposure, showcasing its adaptability.
- Futures Volatility: U.S. natural gas futures traded with modest fluctuations, with front-month Nymex natural gas rising 0.8% to $2.914/MMBtu, reflecting cautious market sentiment amid bearish weather forecasts and rising oil prices impacting the natural gas market.
See More
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- Market Momentum Indicator: The S&P Oscillator has dropped to -5.2, indicating that while the market remains oversold, this shift suggests potential consolidation ahead, prompting investors to monitor future developments in the war for market direction.
- Arm Event and AI Collaboration: Chip designer Arm Holdings is set to announce a new partnership with Nvidia at its “Arm Everywhere” event, which is expected to solidify its crucial role in AI computing, potentially influencing stock performance in the tech sector.
- Investment Rating Changes: Bank of America upgraded CoreWeave to a buy rating, despite market skepticism about its durability; analysts believe its strategic alliances with Nvidia and OpenAI will provide competitive advantages, reflecting ongoing confidence in AI infrastructure.
See More
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- Investment Redirection: TotalEnergies has committed to invest approximately $1 billion in oil and gas and LNG production in the U.S., particularly focusing on developing four trains at the Rio Grande LNG plant in Texas, aimed at enhancing U.S. energy security.
- National Security Considerations: The Department of the Interior highlighted that, in light of national security concerns, TotalEnergies has pledged not to develop any new offshore wind projects, reflecting the current global energy supply challenges.
- Policy Support: TotalEnergies' CEO stated that this agreement will support U.S. gas production and exports, expected to provide much-needed LNG to Europe while also supplying gas for U.S. data center development, showcasing improved capital efficiency.
See More
