South Korean bulker owner Pan Ocean is being linked with a return to New Times in China for a series of ultramax bulkers.
Pan Ocean is said to be adding a series of 63,500-dwt ships at the Chinese shipyard to a string of VLOCs at the same facility.
Broking sources suggest the contract is for two firm vessels with a single option attached.
Others say they are aware of the negotiations but were unsure on the number of vessels under discussion.
European shipbrokers have placed a price of $26.5m on each of the tier III ships, which are said to be slated for delivery in 2020.
Calls to Pan Ocean seeking comment on the matter were unanswered at the time of writing on Tuesday.
Pan Ocean has a fleet of almost 80 bulkers, tankers and gas carriers on the water and 13 newbuildings on order.
The tally includes a series of five open hatch ultramaxes on order at Jiangsu New Yangzijiang Shipbuilding for delivery in 2019 and 2020 and six 325,000-dwt VLOCs at New Times.
TradeWinds reported earlier today Pan Ocean had released a vastly improved second quarter profit.
The shipowner booked net income of $34.65m versus the $17.8m achieved in the corresponding quarter in 2017.
