Amsterdam-based Ace Tankers is said to be expanding into the larger-size stainless-steel tanker business, having inked a deal at South Korea’s Dae Sun Shipbuilding & Engineering for up to eight 33,000-dwt chemical tankers worth $376m.

The joint venture between Eastern Pacific Shipping and XT Shipping has signed up for four firm stainless-steel newbuildings with options for four more, shipping sources told TradeWinds.