The deal is for two firm vessels plus two options.

Sources say China VLCC is in talks with four shipyards — Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS), CSSC Offshore & Marine Engineering (previously known as Guangzhou Shipyard International), Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry and Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Corp (DSIC) — with discussions still at the initial stage.

Officials at CMES were not available for comment before TradeWinds went to press.

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