Italy’s MF-Milano Finanza cited sourcesclose to one of the companies as saying talks have been going on for severalweeks.

A potential order for two firm vessels ofmore than 150,000 gt could be announced in weeks, the report said.

Each vessel could be worth more than EUR700m ($968m).

An option for two more could be attached.

The Monfalcone shipyard on the Adriatic hasbeen earmarked for the work.

MSC