French liner giant CMA CGM has been linked to a fresh containership order at China’s Hengli Heavy Industries， further extending what is already the industry’s largest orderbook.

Shipbroking sources said the Marseille-based carrier has signed up for eight 6，000 teu newbuilds at the rapidly growing Chinese yard.

The vessels form part of a larger package of 10 ships secured by Hengli， with the remaining two units understood to have been ordered by another owner.

Financial details have not emerged， while delivery dates have yet to be disclosed.

The latest deal adds to a steady stream of orders flowing into Hengli as the yard continues to gain market share in the containership sector. The builder has previously won contracts for similar-sized vessels from Chinese liner operator Zhonggu Logistics as well as interests linked to Israeli shipping magnate Idan Ofer.

For CMA CGM， the order represents another step in an aggressive fleet expansion programme that has seen the company invest heavily in both conventional and alternative-fuel tonnage.

According to Alphaliner， CMA CGM currently operates a fleet of more than 730 vessels and over 150 on order， giving the French carrier the largest orderbook among global liners.

Among its most recent contracts are 10 LNG dual-fuel 22，000 teu containerships at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry and six LNG-powered 1，700 teu vessels at Cochin Shipyard in India.