Norwegian chemical-tanker owner Odfjell is  mulling a series of 50,000-dwt IMO II ships.
Market players say the Oslo-listed company has contacted yards in South Korea and China and is said to be looking at between four and six vessels.
The Korean yards said to have been approached include ShinaSB Yard, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, STX Offshore & Shipbuilding and SPP Shipbuilding, while those in China are Guangzhou Shipyard International, Jinling Shipbuilding and Jiangnan Shipyard Group.
The Koreans are understood to be asking in excess of $40m for the handymaxes.
Odfjell is said to be looking to pay less than $40m per ship. while Chinese yards are quoting 10-20% less than the Koreans.