Australian miner, Fortescue, fresh from signing a $275m deal for four VLOCs with Yangzijiang Shipbuilding last month, is now in discussions with another “major Chinese” shipbuilder, the company said, for four more VLOCs due for delivery in later 2017 and early 2018. The identity of the second yard has not been revealed.

“Fortescue’s shipping strategy is to lock in construction of these VLOCs which are being designed to complement the port infrastructure to improve load rates, efficiencies and reduce operating costs,” the miner said.