CMA CGM recently said it has "no short term plans to either purchase or long-term charter-in any vessels," according to the company statement.
The denial comes after a report in the Hong Kong Ta Kung Pao newspaper about it buying twenty 9,000- to 10,000-TEU vessels from China Shipbuilding and State Shipbuilding, allegedly to be financed by Export-Import Bank of China.
CMA CGM said the priorities of the world's third largest carrier are to reduce debt and strengthen its financial position.
"Looking beyond 2013 and in line with its long-term commitment to driving continuous improvement in fleet efficiency, the group is looking at various charter projects with a number of shipyards and financial partners."
"While CMA CGM will pursue these non-binding discussions over the next few months, it has no intention to reach an agreement in the near future."
The carrier currently runs a fleet of 408 vessels, in which 92 are self-owned.