Speculation is mounting about the identity of the mystery owner eyeing up the newbuilding slots for a series of very large ethane carriers (VLECs) pencilled in by Delos Shipping at two South Korean shipyards last year.

Samsung Heavy Industries said in a regulatory filing last week that a contract for three 93,000-cbm VLECs for a North American shipowner had been terminated as the owner was unable to meet the payment and contractual terms.