The rates to charter vessels for spot liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments hit records this week amid renewed demand from buyers in Asia and the strong prices that are attracting U.S. cargoes and tying up ships for longer journeys. 

According to Spark Commodities, LNG tanker rates in the Pacific Basin were assessed earlier this week at $316,750/day, up 9% from a week ago and surpassing a high set last winter amid historic cold. Rates in the Atlantic Basin were up 5% over the same time to $254,250/day, according to the data. 

Freight rates began rising last month, which is typical ahead of winter, but the increase has also corresponded with a sharp spike in global gas prices since then. Spot LNG rates in North Asia were assessed at about $37/MMBtu on Thursday. The front-month...