Navig8 has forged a deal with a Chinese leasing company that will see it join the rush to book LNG-fuelled newbuildings by placing an order at Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry.

The Nicolas Busch and Gary Brocklesby-led ship operator has teamed up with CSIC Leasing to order up to four LNG-fuelled LR2 product tankers at the Chinese yard.

Gordon Shen, Navig8’s representative in Shanghai, signed the joint venture deal at a China State Shipbuilding Co (CSSC) signing ceremony in the Chinese city last week.