Malaysia’s MISC has increased its LNG newbuilding programme in China to five vessels after signing for two additional carriers at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding.

The latest order covers a pair of 174，000 cum newbuilds， which will be chartered to Malaysia’s national oil company Petronas under a 20-year contract.

The long-term charter initially covered three newbuildings contracted at Hudong-Zhonghua with options for three more ships.

In a filing to the stock exchange， MISC confirmed that two more vessels will now be included under the same agreement， with deliveries expected in 2029 and 2030.

All vessels in the programme are slated for long-term employment with Petronas on delivery. If all options are exercised， the overall series at the yard could reach 10 ships， according to earlier yard disclosures.