CMA CGM keen on new Chinese-leased 20,000 teu series
Brokers report that the world’s third largest containerline, CMA CGM, is in China looking to order a series of 20,000 teu ships.
The French line is holding discussions with a number of shipyards as well as a leasing company. CMA CGM has in the past used Chinese leasing companies to expand its fleet. There have been no new containership orders anywhere in the world so far in 2016, but brokers anticipate an announcement from CMA CGM soon.
CMA CGM will likely complete its acquisition of Neptune Orient Lines (NOL), the Singapore owner of containerline APL, by the second hand of this year. Together with another series of 20,000 teu vessels, it will cement its third place in the liner rankings despite others merging, notably Cosco and China Shipping.