The French shipowner CMA CGM, the number three global maritime container transport, is planning to build China’s nine giant container ships, among the largest in the world, indicated an authority shanghaïenne and the chinese press.
The shipyards Shanghai Waigaoqiao and Hudong-Zhonghua, the two companies public, have received a “declaration of intent” on the part of CMA CGM on an order of nine container ships, according to the economic affairs committee of Shanghai.
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The vessels mentioned are of a capacity of 22,000 TEU (twenty foot equivalent), which is approximately 22.000 containers of 38 m3, stated that the municipal authority in a press release posted on its website. If they are built, they would exceed the capacity record current of approximately 21.400 TEUS.
A victory for chinese industry
The total amount of the order could reach 9.6 billion yuan (1.22 billion euros), said the release shanghainese, referring to a maximum price of $ 160 million per vessel.
If it was proven, and finalized, this order would mark a victory notable for the shipbuilding industry in China, rival declared south Korean yards. These last, the long-time leaders on this niche market, now see a growing number of orders their escape in the face of the insolent growth of their chinese competitors.
And if the ocean carriers are now striving to maximize the capacity of their vessels to reduce their costs, the arrival of new vessels could increase the persistent surplus capacity on a freight market still fragile.
(With AFP)
