Hong Kong-listed Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) of China is reportedly in the process of winning up to two 53,000-dwt products tankers from Swedish owner Rederi AB Gotland.

The contract is said to include one firm vessel with an option for a second.

The ships are said to be costing some $32m to $33m each. The firm vessel is due for delivery in late 2012.

Industry players believe Gotland’s order is GSI’s first newbuilding deal this year.

Meanwhile, market watchers say GSI is set to secure a series of tanker newbuildings from another Scandinavian owner — Stena Bulk. The shipowner is in talks with the yard for up to 10 handysize products tankers.