Japanese shipyard Tsuneishi Shipbuilding has received an order for up to eight Aframax tankers from its compatriot shipping companies.

Tsuneishi has been hired by its Kambara Kisen, part of Tsuneishi Holdings Corporation to build up to four tankers, show data provided by Asiasis.

Under the 2+2 contract, the ships are to be built by Tsuineishi Zhoushan Shipbuilding and feature 115,000dwt in capacity. Each ship is priced at US$50m. Two units are to be delivered in 2019, whereas the other two should join Kambara's fleet in 2020.

The order for additional four units has been placed by Meiji Shipping. The company has ordered three firm 115,000dwt tankers with an option for an additional one. The firm trio is set to be delivered in 2019, whereas the remaining tanker would join Meji Shipping in 2020.

The entire order has an estimated price of a total of US$400m.