China's state-owned Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Corp (DSIC) is said to be in talks with Hong Kong-listed China International Marine Container (CIMC) for new orders as many as 20 8,800-teu containerships.

Sources said that the vessels were signed for a long-term charter deal by Mediterranean shipping Co (MSC).

However, both parties declined to mention about the rumor.

Market players said that MSC has been seeking to place an order for post panamx boxships in the range of 9,000-16,000 teu for some time but it has been facing lacks of financial resources and unable to book newbuildings.

CIMC, a new comer in shipowning business, plans to work with MSC and charter newbuildings.