Danish owner and operator of gas carriers Evergas has inked a contract for construction of four INEOS MAX 32,000cbm liquefied ethane/ethylene carriers with Chinese JHW Engineering & Contracting, a subsidiary of Jaccar Holdings.

The contract also provides for construction of two optional vessels, according to Evergas.

As disclosed, the cargo capacity of the vessels has been increased more than 10% by optimizing the design of cargo tanks as well as the layout of the ships, without changing the main dimensions compared to the latest designs of 27,500cbm class gas carriers. The ships will feature dual fuel propulsion flexibility including LNG and ethane and an optimized ECO hull design aimed at reducing emissions, and the ballast water treatment system will protect the sea water environment.

The INEOS MAX 32,000cbm carriers are set to start delivery to Evergas from the first quarter of 2018 onwards.

Once delivered, the newbuild gas carriers will be employed in routes plied by the company's Dragon series of 27,500cbm LNG carriers.