CMA CGM Linked to Major Container Ship Order at Hyundai

Updated January 23, 2025 at 10:48 am Published January 23, 2025 at 11:00 am Etc/UTC

France’s CMA CGM is widely believed to be the European shipping company referenced in a recent announcement by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries regarding the largest ship order of 2025 so far.

According to sources, CMA CGM has reportedly contracted Hyundai to build twelve 18,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel containerships, valued at KRW 3.716 trillion ($2.58 billion). The vessels are expected to be delivered by the end of 2028.

With this significant investment, CMA CGM continues its rapid ascent toward surpassing Maersk as the world’s second-largest container shipping line.

Containership orders hit a record high of 4.4 million TEU in 2023, surpassing the 4.3 million TEU ordered in 2021. While the pace of orders has slowed, activity continues, including China’s Kawa Shipping ordering its first newbuilds—three 4,800 TEU vessels at Wuhu Shipyard—and German owner Elbdeich Reederei securing up to four additional 1,900 TEU ships from China’s Wenchong yard.