Oslo-listed Siem Shipping Inc has ordered a pair of car carriers with Croatian shipbuilder Uljanik.

Under the deal, Uljanik will build two 7000ceu pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) set for delivery in the second half of 2017.

The price is being finalized, but will be in the region of US$55 million, the company said.

Once delivered, the two car carriers will be chartered out to Siem Car Carriers for a period of five years.

The move comes as the company pushes for diversification of its activities to include a broader range of shipping opportunities, one of those areas being the PCTC segment.