John Fredriksen's publicly listed Golden Ocean Group plans to lift its fleet of bulkers close to 100 vessels with a blockbuster deal with his private investment arm.

The New York-listed owner of 78 dry bulk vessels said on Wednesday that it is "contemplating" a deal to buy 18 modern, scrubber-fitted ships for $752m.

The vessels comprise 10 newcastlemaxes built between 2019 and 2021 and eight kamsarmaxes built in 2020 and 2021 from affiliates of Fredriksen's private concern Hemen Holding, Golden Ocean's largest shareholder.