Bergen-based chemical-tanker owner Utkilen could be the next global operator in the segment.

The company, in its co-operation with EGD Holding — also of Bergen — now has a newbuilding programme of up to eight units.

Utkilen chief executive Magne Ovreaas confirms these ships do not have ice class and are not intended for the company’s traditional operations in the north.

Ovreaas says one option is to set up a global operation on its own.