ContainersEurope

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.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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