The shipowner association, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), fears the US efforts to promote the use of US-flagged vessels for the country's LNG transport, could have unfortunate consequences for a potential future export of US oil and shale gas, if the current export ban is lifted.

This is made clear in a press release from the association, Monday, where ICS refers to US President Barack Obama signing a law in 2014, which is intended to promote the use of US-flagged tankers. This legislation is expected to speed up the processing of new licenses for LNG exporters who plan to use US-flagged gas-vessels instead of ships operated by foreign shipping companies.