May 25 (Bloomberg) — BHP Billiton Ltd., the world's biggest mining company, said it isn't in talks to buy six bulk carriers from Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., denying a story in Clarkson Plc's weekly shipping report.

"We are not investing in shipping," spokeswoman Amanda Buckley said by phone from Melbourne. "We are supporting the design of shallow drafted vessels since most of BHP's loading ports are draft restricted. Those vessels would be useful for port capacity and cargo throughput."

Clarkson, the world's largest shipbroker, had said that BHP had lined up financing from a group of banks for the purchase.