Replacement demand for close to 20 Japanese-controlled VLCCs approaching 15 years old is prompting informal talks on newbuilding orders between domestic yards and the country’s leading owners.
According to local yard sources, Imabari and Namura Shipbuilding, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Japan Marine United have been in discussion with Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) and Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) about replacing their ageing tanker fleets.
Compatriot
