STX moves into VLOC sector

South Korean shipbuilder STX Shipbuilding announced the receipt of an order for the construction of its first two 320,000 dwt very large ore carriers. U.K.-based Zodiac Maritime is thought to have placed the orders. To be delivered by December 2011, the ships are priced at $125 million apiece. STX has now become the seventh builder in the world to construct VLOCs of more than 300,000 dwt.