Imabari Shipbuilding is poised to target the gas-powered ship market after winning an order for three LNG-fuelled newcastlemax bulker carriers.

The newcastlemax orders, including one each for compatriots K Line, Mitsui OSK Lines and NYK Line, are to be constructed under Nihon Shipyard (NSY), Imabari’s recently formed joint venture company with Japan Marine United (JMU).

The move to clean energy is being seen as part of a technology drive by Japanese shipyards to...