Denmark’s Uni-Tankers is planning to build a series of small stainless-steel chemical carriers in China. Chief executive Torben Andersen, however, denies talk that a deal is very close.

“We don’t have a newbuilding programme,” he told TradeWinds. “We have a wish to build ships but I haven’t signed anything yet. It’s not decided that we’re going to build.”

Sources in China tell TradeWinds the Danish owner is looking at a 9,900-dwt design by Shanghai-based Odely Marine.