US trader Cargill is poised to strengthen its relationship with China Development Bank Financial Leasing (CDB FL) with a new charter deal.

The commodities giant, which chartered a series of newcastlemax bulker newbuildings from the Chinese leasing firm last year, is said to be in talks to fix in more vessels.

Shipbuilding sources said Cargill is in discussion with CDB FL to charter six mini-capesize newbuildings.