South Korea’s SM Line has quashed talk that the company is quitting the liner business, although it acknowledged it is aiming to sell a trio of neo-panamaxes.

The containership newcomer said it is in the market to stay and is looking for the right partner and opportunity to expand its trade lanes.

Reports that SM Line has sold the neo-panamax trio have sparked market speculation that the South Korean company may be winding up its box business.