Japanese tonnage supplier Nissen Kaiun has returned to Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) for a series of product carrier newbuildings.

If all options are exercised, the deal could be worth $140m and represent a significant expansion of the Imabari-headquartered shipowner's MR tanker profile.

Shipbuilding market sources said the company has signed up for two 50,000-dwt newbuildings, with options for another pair.