A lone shipowner is in final talks with South Korea’s Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) for up to eight MR tankers, which are being discussed under Shell’s huge Project Solar order for up to 30 newbuildings worth more than $1.2bn.

Newbuilding brokers say discussions are in play with an as-yet unidentified owner for four firm vessels built to IMO type 3 chemical and product standards.