South Korea’s Heung-A Shipping has returned to the newbuilding market， ordering up to six stainless steel chemical tankers in China.

The Korean owner has signed for three firm 26，000 dwt vessels plus options for three more in a deal valued at about $280m.

The vessels will be built at Wuchang Shipbuilding， marking the company’s first newbuilding order since 2016.

Heung-A， which runs a fleet of about 15 chemical carriers from 4，000 dwt to 20，000 dwt， had previously favoured domestic construction， with its most recent orders placed at South Korean yard Dae Sun Shipbuilding.

For Wuchang Shipbuilding， the contract adds another chemical tanker project to its orderbook as Chinese yards continue to attract overseas owners with competitive pricing and delivery positions.