Sinochem Shipping is in negotiations for bareboat charters and possible acquisitions of ships involving a series of up to four 38,800-dwt chemical tankers but is hesitant about the yard — Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, the facility previously known as Nantong Mingde Heavy Industries.

The order is part of Sinochem’s expansion into the international trade but was not placed by Sinochem.