Hoegh Autoliners announced on Monday that it had declared options on four 9,100-ceu newbuildings in China, lifting its orderbook at China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) to a total of 12 vessels.

TradeWinds reported in May that the company was likely to go ahead with the extra orders, which are believed to be worth in total nearly $400m.

In its statement on 17 July, the Oslo-listed tonnage provider said it could increase the vessels it has under construction even further, as it has options for another four ships at the same yard, as well as slot reservations for yet another four.