Kumiai Senpaku is strengthening its relationship with China State Shipbuilding Co (CSSC) by ordering a newbuilding in Shanghai.

In its latest deal with the state-owned shipbuilding group, the Japanese shipowner has signed up for an LPG-fuelled, midsize gas carrier (MGC) at Jiangnan Shipyard.

Kumiai president Nobutaka Mukae told TradeWinds he has inked a letter of intent with the Shanghai-based shipyard for the 40,000-cbm gas carrier.