FMG said the total order for the 260,000 dwt quartet ran to $280m as it reported an improved full year profit.

The ships, for delivery in 2017 and 2018, followed on from a $275m move for a separate series of four VLOCs at China’s CSSC Guangzhou Longxue Shipbuilding in May.

“The 260,000 dead weight tonnage class vessels are larger than the traditional capsize vessels that have dominated the seaborne market and incorporate design specifications ideally suited to Port Hedland’s tidal conditions,” FMG said in its full year report.