Three shipbuilders are competing to scoop work to build two VLEC newbuildings, as owners seek prices against a charter requirement from petrochemicals giant Ineos.
South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries and Samsung Heavy Industries, and China’s Jiangnan Shipyard are said to be vying for two ethane-fuelled VLECs of around 98,000 to 99,000 cbm, plus two options.
Brokers suggested a VLEC newbuilding would probably cost around $120m or more, depending on the technology selected.
