CMA CGM Eyes $3bn Megamax Order at Yangzijiang as Containership Giants Race for Ultra-Large Capacity

## CMA CGM Eyes $3bn Megamax Order as Containership Giants Race for Ultra-Large Capacity CMA CGM has emerged as the likely buyer behind plans for another dozen 24,000 TEU megamax containerships at China's Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, in a newbuilding programme potentially valued at around $3 billion, according to Splash247. The French carrier, one of the world's largest container shipping groups, is tipped as the liner behind the substantial order, which would represent a significant further expansion of the global megamax fleet. Broker intelligence cited by Splash247 points to CMA CGM as the frontrunner, though the deal has not yet been formally confirmed by either party. The reported order comes as the broader container shipping sector continues to demonstrate an appetite for ultra-large vessel capacity despite ongoing concerns about fleet oversupply in certain trade lanes. A programme of twelve 24,000 TEU vessels at current market pricing would place the deal among the largest single containership orders of recent years. ### Maersk Also Sounding Out Yards Adding further momentum to the ultra-large containership segment, Splash247 also reports that Maersk — CMA CGM's closest rival in global container capacity — is separately sounding out shipyards for a major new round of ultra-large tonnage orders. While details of Maersk's enquiries remain limited, the parallel activity from two of the industry's dominant carriers signals renewed confidence in long-term demand fundamentals and suggests a potential ordering wave for the megamax segment. Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, one of China's most prominent privately-owned yards, has established a strong track record in the construction of large containerships and has attracted significant international liner business in recent contracting cycles. ### Strategic Context The reported CMA CGM order, if confirmed, would underscore the carrier's continued strategy of fleet renewal and capacity expansion through direct newbuilding investment. CMA CGM has been among the most active of the major liners in securing long-term tonnage, having placed substantial orders across multiple vessel classes in recent years. For Yangzijiang, a confirmed $3 billion programme would represent a major commercial win, reinforcing the yard's position as a preferred builder for top-tier international clients at a time when Chinese shipyards are operating at near-record orderbook levels. Industry observers will be watching closely for formal order confirmations from either carrier, as back-to-back megamax programmes from CMA CGM and Maersk would have significant implications for future fleet capacity and freight rate dynamics on the major east-west trade corridors. *Source: Splash247*