CMA CGM signs newbuild deal with Hengli for mid-size box ships

According to shipbroking and market sources, the world’s third-largest liner operator has placed an order for six 6,000-TEU vessels at the rapidly expanding shipyard.

The deal appears to form part of a broader wave of newbuilding orders secured by Hengli during Posidonia. Earlier this week, Riviera reported that the shipbuilder had won contracts from Evangelos Marinakis-led Capital Group and Monte Nero Management for bulk carriers and tankers, respectively.

In a post on domestic social media, Hengli said it had secured orders for 21 firm vessels and four optional units during Posidonia week. Additional Greek owners, including Venergy Maritime and Aegean Shipping, are also believed to have participated in the ordering spree, contracting Suezmax and LR2 tankers, respectively.

Continued expansion

CMA CGM continues to expand aggressively and currently holds the largest orderbook among all liner operators, according to Alphaliner data. The consultancy estimates that the company operates an active fleet of 731 vessels with a combined capacity of 4.32M TEU, while a further 152 ships totaling 1.76M TEU are under construction.

Among its most recent contracts is an order for 10 22,000-TEU LNG dual-fuel container ships at CSSC’s Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co (DSIC), as well as six LNG-powered 1,700-TEU units at India’s Cochin Shipyard.

In late May, CMA CGM took delivery of 24,212-TEU CMA CGM Notre Dame, a new-generation LNG-powered vessel and the largest container ship currently operating under the French flag.

The liner operator has also remained active in the secondhand market. According to BRS Shipbrokers’ annual review, CMA CGM was the second most active buyer in 2025, behind only MSC, acquiring 26 vessels.

"The French line continued to target modern, energy-efficient tonnage, including units it already had on charter," BRS said.