CMA CGM has pencilled in a potential $1.7bn order for up to 12 boxship newbuildings of about 14,000 teu, and plans to build them with dual-fuel propulsion.

Newbuilding sources tell TradeWinds the French containership owner has signed a letter of intent with South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries for six ships, with an option on six more.

They price the vessels in the region of $115m each, but say the LNG-fuelling capability is likely to add up to 20%, bringing the price into the high $130m range.