Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation has finalized contracts for six 8,000 TEU-class methanol dual-fuel-ready containerships with Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd., Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., and Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. The signing ceremony took place at the Imabari International Hotel on October 28, marking a major step in Yang Ming’s long-term strategy to modernize its fleet and strengthen its global network capacity.
The contracts include the purchase of three vessels and newbuilding orders for another three, signed by Dr. Chuck Tsai, Chairman of Yang Ming, and Mr. Yukito Higaki, Director of Nihon Shipyard. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028, aligning with the company’s broader plan to secure sustainable capacity and meet future environmental standards.
These newbuildings represent Yang Ming’s first methanol dual-fuel-ready ships, replacing older 5,500 TEU-class vessels that have been in service for over two decades. Designed for high energy efficiency and reduced emissions, the ships will feature advanced propulsion systems, including optimized propellers, energy-saving rudders, and rudder fins, ensuring operational flexibility across major trade routes.
The vessels’ main engines are designed to allow future conversion to green methanol fuel, supporting Yang Ming’s transition toward low-carbon shipping and compliance with international environmental regulations. The company’s collaboration with its Japanese shipbuilding partners highlights a shared commitment to advancing decarbonization technologies within the maritime industry.
Yang Ming stated that it will continue to monitor market dynamics and regulatory developments while optimizing fleet resources to enhance operational competitiveness. With these new vessels, the company aims to strengthen its global transport network, expand its service scale, and provide customers with safe, reliable, and environmentally sustainable logistics solutions.
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