Container ship tonnage provider Seaspan Corp is joining the exploding car-carrier segment with an order for three newbuildings.

According to shipbuilding sources, Seaspan, through an unidentified Chinese joint-venture partner, is at an advanced stage of discussions with China’s Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) for three LNG dual-fuel pure car/truck carrier (PCTC) newbuildings that may cost the company $300m.

Officials at SWS declined to comment when contacted, citing contract confidentiality, while Seaspan did not reply to emails requesting further information.