The industry is now building ships that have integral LNG re-gasification systems onboard. This allows the ship to dock off shore and then import gas into ports of just about any country that needs more nat gas.  It will allow greater flexibility to get gas where it as needed much quicker than previously.

It often took many years for a country to build a import capable re-gasification plant and billions of dollars. This meant companies had to look at long term needs before committing to such a large investment.  And that has led to shortages around the globe.  It also allows countries like Russia to hold gas importing countries hostage to their gas.

This will be good news for the nat gas biz in the US including royalty owners. The increased export of nat gas will help support better prices and royalties along with more jobs and increased tax revenue.

Much more in the linked article.

Hybrid ships, called Floating Storage and Regasification Units, or FSRUs, offer emerging nations from Egypt to Pakistan a cheaper, quicker way to attack power shortages by importing liquefied natural gas. They cost about $300 million to build, or half as much as an onshore import terminal, and are up and running as much as six times faster, sometimes within as little as a year, according to owners Hoegh LNG Holding Ltd. and Excelerate Energy LLC.