Japanese specialist chemical tanker builder Fukuoka Shipbuilding has acquired more than 90% of the shares in compatriot yard Usuki Shipbuilding.

Both are privately owned yards located on the western island of Kyushu and specialize in building stainless steel chemical tankers.

Usuki is building chemical tankers up to 20,000 dwt and Fukuoka up to 36,000 dwt.

Both yards have filled their orderbooks through to 2020.