On July 17, Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (“Yang Ming”) announced that it had ordered seven 15,500TEU LNG dual-fuel powered container ships from Hanwha Ocean, with a contract value of between US$1.36 billion to US$1.53 billion. Based on this calculation, the price of each ship is between US$194 million and US$219 million, and is expected to be delivered in 2028 and 2029.
As part of its ongoing fleet optimization plan, Yang Ming held its 404th Board Meeting and approved the order of seven 15,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel containerships from Hanwha Ocean. Following the completion of contract procedures, these vessels are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2029. The newbuildings will replace aging vessels and advance Yang Ming’s strategic development.
To strengthening its core container shipping business, meeting global trade demand and economic growth, and providing customers with comprehensive and efficient transportation services, Yang Ming is actively enhancing fleet competitiveness and aligning with global GHG reduction trends. The adoption of dual-fuel solutions for the 15,000 TEU vessels, alongside the five LNG dual-fuel containerships scheduled for delivery beginning in 2026, will ensure stable service on East-West routes while achieving a 20% reduction in GHG emissions compared to traditional fuel. These efforts reflect the Company’s commitment to year-on-year carbon intensity reduction. Moreover, the alternative fuel initiatives align with stricter international environmental regulations.
Yang Ming continues to strengthen its transportation services. The optimization plan is set to rejuvenate Yang Ming’s fleet, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and diversify energy sources. By enhancing competitiveness and operational resilience, Yang Ming is well-positioned to navigate supply chain restructuring and market uncertainties, steadily progressing toward its vision of becoming customers’ top choice for transportation services and playing a crucial role in the industry.
According to reports, the bidding process for seven 15,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel container ships began in April this year, along with three 8,000 TEU container ships. At the start of the bidding process, Yang Ming revealed that the two types of 10 container ships would be built at shipyards in South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, with mainland Chinese shipyards not participating in the bidding.
In March this year, Yang Ming purchased three new 8,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ships from Japanese shipowner Shoei Kisen. The ships are currently under construction at Imabari Shipbuilding, Japan’s largest shipbuilding group, and are expected to be delivered in 2028 and 2029. The total value of the transaction is between US$339 million and US$360 million, with each vessel valued between US$113 million and US$120 million.
As of now, there are still three 8,000TEU container ships in Yang Ming’s 13 new shipbuilding projects whose shipyard information has not been disclosed.
It is reported that Yang Ming ranks 10th among global container shipping companies and second only to Evergreen Marine in Taiwan, operating a fleet of approximately 100 vessels.