In the past few weeks, both CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd have announced significant investments in new vessels and fleet renewals in line with their decarbonisation policies. 

As part of a fleet renewal initiative, Hapag-Lloyd plans to buy 22 new containerships in smaller vessel classes, all within the sub-5,000 TEU category.

Rolf Habben Jansen, Hapag-Lloyd's CEO, described the initiative as a “key milestone” towards greater operational efficiency.

Hapag-Lloyd's focus on smaller vessel classes, a high-demand segment, aims to replace ageing ships, decrease dependence on expensive charter markets, and cut operational costs by adopting more fuel-efficient designs.

If the plan proceeds, the company’s orderbook could expand from 34 to as many as 56 ships, including both owned and chartered newbuildings.

Meanwhile, French competitor CMA CGM is placing large-scale orders for new ships. Analysis from Alphaliner indicates that the French group currently has 128 ships on order, representing a total capacity of 1.7 million TEU.

The liner further announced that it expects the arrival of ten new 24,000 TEU LNG-powered vessels, which the company plans to register under the French flag. 

Ramon Fernandez, Chief Financial Officer at CMA CGM, believes that the sector will experience future growth, which in turn requires fleet expansion.

Fernandez also highlighted the group’s climate objectives, noting that the new vessels are dual-fuel ships intended to support industry-wide decarbonisation efforts.