Yang Ming Orders Six Methanol Dual-Fuel-Ready Containerships in Collaboration with Japanese Shipbuilders

Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation has signed contracts for six 8,000 TEU-class methanol dual-fuel-ready containerships with three leading Japanese partners — Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd., Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., and Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. The signing ceremony took place on October 28 at the Imabari International Hotel.

The agreement covers the purchase of three containerships and the newbuilding of another three. The contracts were signed by Dr. Chuck Tsai, Chairman of Yang Ming, and Mr. Yukito Higaki, Director of Nihon Shipyard. The vessels are scheduled for delivery beginning in 2028.

According to Yang Ming, this marks an important step in the company’s fleet optimization strategy aimed at securing mid- to long-term capacity and strengthening its global service network.

Transition to Methanol-Ready Fleet

The new 8,000 TEU-class ships will be the first in Yang Ming’s fleet to feature methanol dual-fuel-ready designs. Once deployed, they will gradually replace older 5,500 TEU-class containerships that have been in service for more than two decades.

The company said the new vessels incorporate energy-efficient technologies to improve performance and reduce carbon emissions. Each ship will be equipped with a high-efficiency propeller, energy-saving rudder, and rudder fin to optimize propulsion.

The main engines will also be designed for future conversion to green methanol, providing flexibility to adapt to emerging fuel technologies and regulatory requirements.

Yang Ming stated that its collaboration with Nihon Shipyard, Imabari Shipbuilding, and Shoei Kisen reflects its ongoing efforts to advance decarbonization in container shipping.

Strengthening Global Operations

Focusing on long-term competitiveness, Yang Ming said it will continue to monitor market developments, service demand, and evolving international regulations. The company aims to optimize fleet resources to support a more resilient and sustainable global transport network.

By modernizing its fleet and integrating alternative fuel-ready technologies, Yang Ming seeks to align its operations with global environmental objectives while providing customers with reliable and lower-emission logistics solutions.