Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, will increase the range of standard ship sizes in its daily LNG price assessments in Asia-Pacific starting October 16, 2026. This change will particularly apply to the JKM, WIM, SEAM, and MEM assessments, raising the LNG ship size range from 135,000 to 175,000 cubic meters to 135,000 to 180,000 cubic meters.
Details of the Changes in Ship Sizes
This change in the range of ship sizes is based on feedback from the industry and the increasing use of larger LNG vessels in the global fleet. According to Platts data, nearly two-thirds of the offers submitted through the Asia-Pacific Market on Close (MOC) assessment process in the first half of 2026 specified ship sizes between 135,000 and 180,000 cubic meters.
Market Implications and Expectations
Platts expects market participants to respond rationally to these changes and accept vessels that fall within this size range and are operationally suitable for conducting transactions reported in the Market on Close assessment process. This move clearly reflects current market trends and the need to adapt to the growing demands of the LNG industry.
The increase in ship sizes, along with rising demand for LNG, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, could have significant impacts on prices and the supply of this energy source. Especially, given market volatility and changes in demand, these adjustments are expected to enhance efficiency in the LNG supply chain.
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