Singapore-based Kumiai Navigation is to expand its fleet with dual-fuel VLGC newbuildings and is mulling plans to retrofit its existing gas carriers with dual-fuel engines.

Kumiai’s managing director Tomomaru Kuroyanagi told TradeWinds that he has inked a letter of intent with Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) for two dual-fuel 86,700-cbm vessels.

He did not say when the official contract would be signed but said the VLGCs will be capable of carrying ammonia.