Fighting Ships? CMA CGM, Maersk will do battle beneath the Christmas tree

Toy consumers will now be able to choose between wooden blocks and LEGOS when building model containerships this year.

   Maersk and CMA CGM are already fierce competitors on the high seas.
   Now, they will battle it out in the toy market.
   CMA CGM has partnered with the French wooden toy manufacturer VILAC to create a toy called “My first containership,” according to a statement from the ocean carrier.
   The model ship will be be available in 12 countries, including the U.S. and is pitched at children over the age of 3.
   The vessel will have toy containers emblazoned with both the CMA CGM and VILAC logos. The hull will bear the name Jules Verne, one of CMA CGM’s largest ships.
   Denmark’s LEGO has long made toy containerships ships with the Maersk name, including one introduced in 2013 modeled after the Triple-E class vessels. With 1,500 parts, it definitely seems to be aimed a older children.