Japan’s Nisshin Shipping is said to be planning to add a raft of dual-fuel kamsarmax bulk carriers to its growing fleet at a cost of about $294m.

According to shipbuilding sources, the Tokyo-based shipowning company is holding discussions with its favourite Chinese shipyard — Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering — for seven dual-fuelled 85,000-dwt bulkers.

A Nantong Xiangyu executive confirmed that his company is in discussions with shipping outfits but added no contract had been signed.