Trafigura is being linked to a pair of midsize, dual-fuel LPG carrier newbuildings that were ordered in South Korea.
In a regulatory filing, Korea Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (KSOE) said it had signed a deal to build two 40,000-cbm LPG carriers.
The company, which is the Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings subsidiary that controls the group's shipyards, did not name the owner. But TradeWinds understands the ships are for the account of Trafigura, a major trader.
KSOE valued the contract at KRW 116bn ($104.9m), which prices the ships at around $52.5m each.
The company said the 180-metre-long vessels are expected to be built at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard. Deliveries are due to start from September 2022.
KSOE said the vessels will be kitted out with a dual-fuel propulsion system, which can run on LPG or conventional fuels, so the vessels will be able to meet the IMO's regulations.
Trafigura's spokeswoman said the company had "no comments" on the reports of its latest newbuildings.
While LPG fuelling has been selected for most VLGCs contracted in the last 18 months, Trafigura looks set to be among the first few owners to build dual-fuel midsize ships capable of bunkering LPG.
Outside these latest two newbuildings, broker Clarksons lists just 12 LPG carriers of between 38,000 cbm and 40,000 cbm as currently on order.
Half of these, including four vessels for Eastern Pacific Shipping, are being built to bunker LPG.
Trafigura has already taken the plunge on LPG fuelling for VLGCs, ordering a pair of 90,000-cbm vessels at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries for around $81.5m each.
Press reports detailed that KSOE has won 13 of the 14 medium-size LPG carriers ordered worldwide over the last 12 months.
