The National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri) has exercised option for construction of additional five Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) at Korean shipyard Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries.

The option was given in a contract inked with the yard on May 21 that purports construction of 5+5 VLCCs.

The additional carriers are slated for delivery during 2017/2018.

According to Bahri, the VLCCs are designed to the latest international technical specifications and are fitted with environmentally friendly specifications and high efficiency in fuel consumption, with a capacity of 300,000dwt/ per carrier.

"The signing of these contracts is for continuous renewal of the current fleet to meet the needs of the local and global markets," added the company.