CMA CGM is said to be in discussions with Korean / Chinese shipyards and shipowners to build and lease vessels of both 9,000 teu and 16,000 teu.
Earlier this year CMA CGM director Rodolphe Saade had said that the boxship operator was looking for 16,000-teu ships.
Sources say CMA CGM is in talks with Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering over four 9,000-teu vessels.
Market players say CMA CGM will not be the direct owner of the newbuildings due to its weak financial status.
As for the 16,000-teu ships, major Korean yards and state-owned Chinese shipyards have been cited as in talks with CMA CGM.