Idan Ofer's Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has emerged as the winner of BHP’s tender for five LNG-fuelled, 209,000-dwt bulker newbuildings that could cost as much as $330m.

The project, which was floated a year ago, is said to have attracted several shipping outfits, including China Cosco Shipping, Mitsui OSK Lines, NYK Line and Taiwan’s U-Ming Marine Transport.

The dual-fuel ships, which will be able to run on conventional fuels or LNG and will carry iron ore between Western Australia and China, are due to be delivered throughout the course of 2022.