Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has placed an order worth slightly more than $400m for LNG-fuelled newcastlemax bulkers to be chartered to Rio Tinto.

The Singapore-based shipowner said it has entered into an agreement with the Anglo-Australian minerals and metals mining giant for three LNG dual-fuelled newcastlemax vessels, with options for three more.

The 210,000-dwt ships will be built at New Times Shipbuilding and are scheduled for delivery from the second half of 2023.