A new player from far inland China is making a huge debut in the products tanker market.

Baota Petrochemical Group, based in landlocked northwestern China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, is putting together a deal to take between 50 and 60 ships on long-term charters, according to Chinese media reports.

They are understood to be predominantly products carriers, on bareboat charter for periods from four to 10 years.