Japanese shipping company Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) Line has placed an order for up to four very large crude carriers (VLCC) of 300,000 DWT, the Japan Maritime Daily reported.

The compatriot shipyards Namura Shipbuilding and Japan Marine United (JMU) have been hired for the construction of the ships.

As disclosed, three crude carriers are to be built at JMU, two firm, and one optional vessel, while the remaining fourth vessel would be built at Namura Shipbuilding.

Delivery dates span from 2019 to 2020.

Estimated price of the each ship is in the range of USD 85 million, which would push the deal to a total of approximately USD 340 million.

NYK Line was not available for comment at the time of the publishing of this article.

JMU is already building nine ultra large boxships of 14,000 TEU for NYK Line set for delivery in 2018.

World Maritime News Staff