South Korea-based chemical and LPG shipping company KSS Line said Oct. 30 it had ordered an 84,000cbm very large gas carrier (VLGC) worth KRW88bn(USD77m) from Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in anticipation of winning more long-term shipping contracts.

The vessel is to be built by Dec. 31, 2017.

The company counts LPG importers E1 and Gyxis, and mining company Auroch Minerals among its charterers.

KSS Line, led by CEO Lee Dae Sung, has always dedicated its VLGCs to long-term contracts, but Lee said recently he would not rule out expanding into the spot market.