Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has been linked to a double order for very large gas carriers (VLGCs) in South Korea.
The Tokyo-headquartered shipping giant has contracted both Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to each build two 88,000 cu m units for delivery in the second half of 2027, according to brokers.
The LPG dual-fuel newbuilds at Hanwha Ocean came at about $118.5m, while the duo at the Ulsan-based HD Hyundai Heavy is costing $121m each.
MOL has been looking to bolster its LPG and liquefied ammonia gas fleet as Japan is set to increase its imports in the years to come and shipbuilding sources suggest more orders could be on the cards.
Earlier this year, the shipowner also signed up for two 88,000 cu m newbuilds at HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries for delivery in 2026. These vessels have been fixed to French energy major TotalEnergies’ shipping division, CSSA Chartering & Shipping Services (CSSA).