The ships, for delivery in 2017, are likely to be built at South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and could cost in excess of $75m, sources say.

Cido is listed with three VLGCs of 82,000 cbm — the Kobai (built 2009), Kikyo and Yamabuki (both built 2010). It is co-operating closely with Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), with the existing VLGCs either owned jointly with, or on time charter to, its compatriot.

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