China's Oriental Energy, also known as Donghua Energy, is said to have ordered six very large gas carriers (VLGC) at compatriot Jiangnan Shipyard.
There are reportedly 10 to 16 options attached to the newbuilding contract.
An Oriental Energy official confirmed the order and said the first ship is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2014.
Brokers suggest the newbuilding prices could be as low as $60m per ship.
Meanwhile, in August this year Jiangnan Shipyard signed for up to six 83,000-cbm very large gas carriers with John Fredriksen’s Frontline 2012.
The shipowner paid $63.5m each for two firm vessels for delivery in 2014.
Of the four options attached to the contract, Frontline 2012 has ordered two more very large gas carriers (VLGC) at the shipyard. The vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2014.