BP has taken two VLCC newbuildings controlled by China’s Landbridge Group on subjects as it gears up its fleet with 2020-compliant vessels.

Brokers said the energy major is in negotiations for three-year charters for two of Landbridge’s three 308,000-dwt VLCCs on order at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co in China.

They quoted a daily charter-hire rate of $34,000 on the tankers, which are expected to be fitted with exhaust gas emission scrubbers prior to their deliveries in first half 2019.