United Arab Shipping Co has reportedly started talks with shipyards to build mega boxships of up to 18,000TEU class.
Denmark's Maersk Line is so far the only shipowner to have ordered that largest-ever containerships, 20 newbuildings at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering in Korea.
The first of so-called 'Triple-E' vessels is scheduled for delivery this year.
However, UASC is said to be looking at different designs from Maersk's.
Back in 2008, UASC had ordered nine 13,500TEU boxships at around $170m per ship.