Shipowners are preparing quotations for two very large ethane carrier (VLEC) newbuildings for chemical giant Ineos.

Industry sources following the gas sector said Ineos needs two vessels of around 90,000-cbm capa­city. They said shipowners ­already working in the gas and ethane sector are proposing ­designs for vessels of about 85,000 cbm and 95,000 cbm.

Brokers said a VLEC newbuilding would probably cost $120m or more, depending on the tech­nology selected.