China’s Chengxi Shipyard has entered the MR tanker segment.

The state-owned shipbuilder, which is better known for building supramax and kamsarmax bulkers, has secured orders for up to four 55,600-dwt newbuildings from Hong Kong’s Goldwin Shipping.

A Chengxi executive confirms the contract, adding that the owner has signed up for two firm ships plus two options.

He says the yard is slated to deliver the Japanese-designed, IMO Tier-III product tankers between late 2019 and the first half of 2020.