Seoul: Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co, the world's third-largest yard, said it won $2.3 billion of orders in June, its biggest month this year, as demand increased for moving fuel and commodities.

Contracts were received for 12 vessels in the month, the Seoul-based company said in an e-mailed statement. Buyers ordered nine Very Large Crude Carriers, the biggest of their type, a deepwater drill ship and two bulk carriers for 2012 delivery.

Yards in South Korea, the world's biggest shipbuilding nation, may win record orders for a sixth year as buyers pay a premium to ensure timely deliveries.