It has placed four firm orders with delivery from 2015. Sources say the deal also includes four optional vessels.
Newbuilding sources tell TradeWinds that Guangzhou Shipyard is marketing a 50,000-dwt eco-type design for around $32m.
Industry players say this deal marks Trafigura’s first-ever newbuilding contract.
Earlier this year, it paid $64m to acquire three modern products tankers from Switzerland’s Overseas Maritime Carriers.
It bought the GSI-built 50,300-dwt Marlin Glory and Marlin Iris (both built 2008) and the 50,500-dwt Marlin Topaz (built 2009).
The