<p>LNG is advancing towards becoming a global commodity following the expansion of markets, growing volumes, and liquidity, and increase in spot-market transactions.</p>

<p>As buyers push for destination-flexible contracting and trading that allows them to resell or swap LNG cargoes, vessels are gaining more freedom to trade, and market players are better optimising their positions.</p>

<p>These trends have brought new players to the LNG industry, which traditionally comprised a small group of participants. According to the International Group of Liquefied Natural Gas Importers, the number of LNG importing markets has increased almost fivefold since the 1990s.</p>

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