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The sources told LNG Prime on Tuesday that CMA CGM is expected to sign a letter of intent soon with China’s CSSC’s Dalian Shipbuilding (DSIC).
The LoI is for six firm and four optional LNG dual-fuel containerships with a capacity of about 22,000 teu, they said.
These vessels are expected to be worth less than $210 million per unit.
CMA CGM is one of the world’s biggest backers of LNG as fuel.
By 2029, CMA CGM’s dual-fuel fleet will include at least 162 vessels, including 24 methanol-powered, all designed to run on fuels such as bio-methane, e-methane, and green methanol.
On the other hand, Evergreen also launched a tender inviting yards to submit bids for LNG dual-fuel vessels.
Evergreen seeks 14 LNG dual-fuel vessels with a capacity of 14,000 teu, the sources said.
Earlier this year, Evergren ordered 11 LNG dual-fuel containerships with a capacity of 24,000 teu from South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean and China’s Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI).
These vessels are each worth about $265 million.
In addition to Evergreen, HMM launched a tender for LNG dual-fuel vessels.
The South Korean shipping firm is looking for six firm plus six optional LNG dual-fuel container ships, the sources said.
Maersk also seems to be continuing to expand its LNG-dual fleet.
The shipping giant is looking to order about eight LNG dual-fuel vessels with a capacity of 16,000 teu, the sources said.
In August last year, Maersk announced it was in the process of signing newbuilding orders and charter deals for up to 60 dual-fuel containerships, including LNG dual-fuel vessels.
This move represented a significant turn for the shipping company which had been one of the biggest supporters of methanol-powered ships.
In December, Maersk ordered LNG dual-fuel vessels at China’s Yangzijiang Shipbuilding and South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean.