CMA CGM to further grow its large LNG-powered fleet

Sources told LNG Prime on Thursday that CMA CGM is likely to place the new order in China but South Korean yards could be an option as well.

Two Chinese yards that could build the ships include Chinese private shipyard Yangzijiang Shipbuilding and CSSC’s Jiangnan.

CMA CGM is looking to order 12 LNG dual-fuel vessels with a capacity of 18,000 teu, the sources said.

No further details regarding the vessels have been revealed.

This new move follows a report by LNG Prime that CMA CGM signed a letter of intent with a South Korean shipbuilder to build a new batch of LNG dual-fuel container vessels.

In December, LNG Prime reported that CMA CGM signed a letter of intent with HD Hyundai Heavy, part of South Korean conglomerate HD Hyundai, for 12 LNG dual-fuel containerships with a capacity of 15,500 teu and worth about $2.46 billion.

However, the sources said on Thursday that this LoI will not proceed.

It remains unclear whether CMA CGM will go forward with orders for both 15,500 teu and 18,000 teu vessels.

In July last year, CMA CGM ordered 12 LNG dual-fuel container vessels with a capacity of 15,500 teu at HD Hyundai Heavy and HD Hyundai Samho.

HD KSOE said at the time each order is worth about 1.84 trillion won or 3.68 trillion won for the entire order. This equals about $2.66 billion or some $222 million per vessel.

The LNG tanks of these vessels will have a volume of 12,700 cbm, according to France’s GTT.

(This article has been updated to say that the letter of intent will not proceed.)