CMA CGM is said to be investing in a $1.05bn series of methanol-powered large container ship newbuildings.

The French liner giant has six LNG dual-fuel 15,000-teu container ships under construction at Chinese state-owned Jiangnan Shipyard and is now returning to the yard for larger vessels.

But for its latest orders, it is opting for methanol fuelling.

Shipbuilding sources following CMA CGM’s newbuilding activities said it will order six 16,000-teu vessels that will be delivered between 2025 and 2026.