Japan’s shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has set its sights on a careful evaluation of the use of Chinese and South Korean shipyards that meet its criteria while taking into consideration the changes in U.S. policy trends and geopolitical risks to meet the demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels.

Following the recent media speculation about MOL intending to suspend new LNG carrier orders to Chinese shipyards, the Japanese player has clarified that it will exercise “prudent judgment” in selecting shipyards for any new LNG carrier orders, taking the current geopolitical circumstances into account.