MISC (Malaysia) orders six new palm oil tankers

Malaysian shipping giant MISC has reportedly ordered six new palm oil tankers to capitalise on domestic exports. The LNG carrier and tanker player will pay between $70m and $80m for each 35,000-dwt to 38,000-dwt double-hulled vessel, the Malaysian Reserve newspaper reported, without citing sources. The deal is part of a government plan to use Malaysian ships to export palm oil. The tankers will be delivered in 2009, other reports suggested. MISC spokesperson Asmad Putra told TradeWinds a statement on the deal would be issued later in the week.