Japan’s largest private shipowner, Nissen Kaiun, has added two more newbuildings to its growing fleet.

Well-placed shipbuilding sources say the low-profile company has signed up for two MR product tankers at domestic shipyard Onomichi Dockyard for 2020 delivery. Nissen is believed to have contracted the newbuildings a few months ago but the deal was not reported.

Officials at Onomichi declined to comment on its newbuilding activities, citing contract confidentiality.