Taiwanese shipping line Yang Ming Marine placed two batches of newbuilding orders within a week in Korea and Japan.
In addition to the seven 15,000 teu LNG dual-fuel containerships ordered from Hanwha Ocean last week, Yang Ming has now ordered three 8,000 teu methanol dual-fuel-ready containerships from Nihon Shipyard and Imabari Shipbuilding.
Combined with the three 8,000 teu vessels purchased in March, Yang Ming will have a total of six methanol dual-fuel-ready containerships scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2030.
According to the company, Yang Ming has obtained Board approval for its fleet optimisation plan to maintain the competitiveness of core container shipping business, which includes the addition of up to thirteen 8,000 to 15,000 teu class container ships.
The orders comprise six 8,000 teu methanol dual-fuel-ready vessels and seven 15,000 teu LNG dual-fuel vessels, which will replace aging ships ranging from 5,500 to 6,500 teu that have been in service for over 20 years. The newbuildings are expected to stabilize mid-to-long-term fleet deployment and strengthen the company’s service offerings.
The 8,000teu ships will feature energy-efficient main engines and a methanol dual-fuel-ready design, providing flexibility to accommodate the evolving availability of alternative fuels and future regulatory changes.
