Shell is forging ahead with its project to build what could be the world’s first LNG-fuelled VLCCs.

Industry sources said the company is out in the market looking for shipowners interested in contracting tonnage against time charter contracts.

Shell, which has already moved to support dual-fuel aframax and chemical carrier newbuildings with time charter contracts, is ­believed to be interested in pursuing more than one vessel, but full details have yet to emerge.