French shipping line CMA CGM is in negotiations to purchase at least three 20,000-TEU containerships for a total investment of US$420 million, reports the UK Container Management.

The ships, the biggest in the carrier's fleet, are expected to be deployed on the Asia-Europe trade, with deliveries to commence in 2017.

The box ships are likely to be built by South Korea's Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction after the shipbuilder offered the shipping line a five percent discount compared to other Korean yards.

Companies from South Korea such as Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, Hyundai Heavy Industries and Samsung Heavy Industries have thus far monopolised the building of 18,000-TEUers.