Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), a major Japanese shipping group, is planning an order for two 35,000 gross ton newbuildings to replace the 1990 built Nippon Maru of about 22,500 gross tons.

The two projected vessels would cost $719 million sand the first one would enter service in 2027 and there would be aimed at both the Japanese and international source markets, the company said in a statement.

In addition to its cargo shipping interests., MOL also operates a number of large ferries on Japanese domestic services.