Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) is planning to order a new generation of super-efficient large capesizes.
Japan's MOL has requested domestic yards to come up with a design for the 200,000-dwt ore carriers and intends to contract the vessels as it removes older tonnage from its fleet.
MOL officials indicate that an initial order could be for up to 10 ships.
The added technical details are sure to price the newbuildings significantly higher than the average market figure of $47m each.
MOL has dubbed the design “Handy Ore Carrier”. Its slender hull and other features will give it significant efficiency gains, MOL claims, while the operator is also seeking to increase trading opportunities through a shallow draught.
It also wants to achieve further improvements in loading and unloading times.