Just one week later, Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (Yang Ming), Taiwan’s second-largest container shipping operator, announced another new ship order, aiming to gradually phase out old ships and modernize its medium-tonnage fleet.
On July 24, Yang Ming announced that it had ordered three 8,000TEU methanol-reserved container ships from Nihon Shipyard. The contract value is between US$351 million and US$394 million, and the cost of each ship is between US$117 million and US$131 million. It is expected to be delivered between 2028 and 2030.
The new ships will be equipped with energy-efficient main engines and designed to accommodate methanol, in order to adapt to dynamic changes in alternative fuel supply and future regulatory policy adjustments.
Together with the three 8,000TEU methanol-ready container ship newbuildings purchased from Japanese shipowner Shoei Kisen in March this year, Yang Ming expects to receive six methanol-ready container ships between 2028 and 2030.
The three ships under construction that were previously acquired will be delivered by Imabari Shipbuilding, with a total value of between US$339 million and US$360 million, and a unit price of between US$113 million and US$120 million.
Yang Ming’s fleet renewal plan began at the end of 2024, with the aim of replacing 5,500 TEU to 6,500 TEU old container ships that have been in service for more than 20 years, thereby maintaining the competitiveness of its core container transportation business.
The plan includes expanding the fleet by up to 13 new container ships ranging from 8,000 TEU to 15,000 TEU, comprising six 8,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel/methanol-ready container ships and seven 15,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel powered container ships.
A week ago (July 17), Yang Ming announced that it had awarded a contract to Hanwha Ocean for the construction of seven 15,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel container ships. The contract is valued at between US$1.36 billion and US$1.53 billion, which translates to a price of between US$194 million and US$219 million per ship. Delivery is expected in 2028 and 2029.
To date, Yang Ming has finalized orders for 13 new ships, with a total value of between US$2.05 billion and US$2.284 billion.
According to the bidding documents released by Yang Ming in April this year, the length of an 8,000TEU container ship shall not exceed 275 meters, the width shall not exceed 45 meters, the speed shall be 20.5-22 knots, and the cruising range shall be approximately 24,700 nautical miles; the length of a 15,000TEU LNG dual-fuel powered container ship shall not exceed 370 meters, the width shall not exceed 51.25 meters, the speed shall be 22 knots, and the cruising range shall be approximately 25,600 nautical miles (LNG fuel mode) to 13,800 nautical miles (fuel mode).
Yang Ming said: “The company continues to advance its fleet optimization plan, aiming to ensure full service coverage while improving competitiveness and operational resilience. Amid the backdrop of supply chain restructuring and continued global uncertainty, the company remains committed to providing reliable and sustainable transportation services.”
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 ships.