Russia’s United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) is trying to clinch a huge newbuilding order for a domestic client.
The state holding company's CEO Alexei Rakhmanov told the Prime news agency that it is in talks over a firm deal for 50 dry cargoships.
The owner is not named, but the work would take place over two years.
Rakhmanov also said USC plans to close a deal to sell 55% of its Arctech Helsinki Shipyard in Finland.