Wuhu Xinlian Shipbuilding has bagged a newbuilding contract from McAsphalt Marine Transportation for up to two bitumen and oil carriers.

The Canadian shipowner has ordered a dual-fuel, 12,000-dwt tanker and has an option for a second ship.

Officials at the Chinese yard were not available for comment, and McAsphalt could not be immediately reached after business hours in Toronto.

A shipbuilding source with knowledge of the deal said the newbuildings will be able to run on LNG or renewable liquefied biogas, in addition to conventional fuels.