Two shipping companies have been shortlisted to build a series of ultra large containerships (ULCs) for time charter to liner giant Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL).

Industry sources say the six newbuildings, including options, that MOL intends to hire will be split between New York-listed Costamare and Japanese shipowner Shoei Kisen.

Brokers say they expect Shoei Kisen to contract three of the vessels at Japan’s Imabari Shipbuilding, while Costamare will turn to South Korean yards for the remaining trio.