Brokers said the company has ordered two 12,500-dwt multipurpose vessels at Jiangzhou Shipyard for delivery in 2016.

Briese later confirmed the order to TradeWinds.

The vessels are the same type ordered by compatriot Auberbach at the yard last month.

The Auerbach ships are costing $18.5m each, with two more options attached.

They will knock 25% off fuel bills, according to the owner.