CMA CGM, the world's third- largest container line, and CSSC Group have officially signed the contract for the construction of nine 22,000 TEU ships, the largest container vessels ordered to date.
Representatives from CMA CGM, Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group), Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding and CSTC signed the contracts in Marseille on September 19.
The order from the French-based container shipping firm underlines a recovery in the industry this year following a prolonged downturn.
CMA CGM said the new mega ships would help it to keep pace with market growth and cut transport costs, particularly on Asia-Europe routes.
The new ships are scheduled to enter from the end of 2019.