Energy giant Shell is holding talks with three Chinese leasing companies for up to eight LNG-fuelled VLCC newbuildings.

Mingsheng Financial Leasing (Mingsheng FL), ICBC Financial Leasing and Bank of Communications Financial Leasing (Bocomm Leasing) are all said to be in talks with Shell over the 300,000-dwt crude tankers, industry sources told TradeWinds.

Shell is said to be looking to charter four firm dual-fuel vessels, plus four options.