Taiwan’s Yang Ming has reached a key decarbonization milestone as the 15,500 TEU YM Willpower completed its first 3,500 MT LNG bunkering in Singapore. Supplied by Shell, this fuel will power the vessel’s MD2 service and support the launch of the YM ECO Sea green cargo solution.
Singapore | February 26 – Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (Yang Ming) has reached a pivotal milestone in its energy transition journey. Its newly delivered 15,500 TEU class lead vessel, YM Willpower, successfully completed its first major LNG bunkering operation in Singapore today, signaling a concrete leap forward in the carrier’s low-carbon transformation.
Operational Excellence at Singapore Anchorage
Following its official deployment into Yang Ming’s Far East–Mediterranean (MD2) service on February 8, the YM Willpower arrived in Singapore to receive approximately 3,500 metric tons of LNG.
The operation was a high-level coordination effort involving:
- The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
- Shell Eastern Trading (Pte) Ltd. (Energy Supplier)
- Yang Ming’s Operational Teams
Conducted at the port anchorage under stringent safety protocols, the fueling was described as seamless. Immediately following the bunkering, the vessel proceeded to berth for container loading and discharging, demonstrating that LNG refueling can be integrated into tight liner schedules without compromising efficiency.
Quantifiable Environmental Gains
The YM Willpower is the first of a series of 15,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel vessels. As these ships phase into service, Yang Ming expects to achieve dramatic emission reductions compared to conventional marine fuel:
- CO₂ Emissions: 20% Reduction
- Sulphur Oxides (SOx): 99% Reduction
- Particulate Matter: 85% Reduction
YM ECO Sea: Bridging the Gap for Cargo Owners
Beyond the hardware, Yang Ming is leveraging this new fleet to power its “YM ECO Sea” green transportation solution. This program uses a Book and Claim mechanism to allow customers to benefit from verified CO₂ reductions.
Key Compliance Standards:
- Accounting: Aligned with EU RED II requirements and the GLEC Framework.
- Target: Assisting global partners in reducing Scope 3 emissions within their supply chains.
Looking Ahead
The successful bunkering of the YM Willpower serves as a blueprint for its sister vessels currently under construction. Yang Ming confirmed it will continue to implement a diversified alternative fuel strategy, combining LNG, sustainable biofuels, and hardware upgrades, to harmonize maritime growth with environmental sustainability.
About Shell Marine
Shell Marine, a leading global supplier of marine fuels and lubricants, plays a vital role in enabling the maritime sector’s transition to cleaner energy. The company offers comprehensive LNG and low-carbon fuel solutions, leveraging its extensive global network, technical expertise, and innovation pipeline.
With 26 bunkering hubs, 12 dedicated LNG bunker vessels, and more than 2,500 LNG operations completed, Shell Marine is a trusted partner for shipping companies aiming to decarbonise efficiently and effectively. The company is also actively exploring future fuels, including bio-LNG, synthetic e-methane, hydrogen, and ammonia, to support long-term climate goals.
Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation in Brief
Founded on December 28, 1972, Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation is one of the world’s leading container shipping companies, operating a global service network that connects Asia, Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Africa.
As of September 2025, Yang Ming operates 100+ vessels, with a combined capacity of 8.236 million DWT and 727,000 TEUs. The company maintains more than 230 service locations across 80+ countries, supported by regional hubs in the United States, Panama, Germany, Greece, and Singapore.
Yang Ming’s operations are guided by four core values: Teamwork, Innovation, Integrity, and Pragmatism. The company has consistently demonstrated leadership in operational reliability, punctuality, and service excellence, earning multiple international certifications including:
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
- ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)
- ISM Code (International Safety Management)
Commitment to a Low-Carbon Future
Yang Ming continues to pursue a long-term vision of sustainable growth and carbon reduction, investing in clean energy-ready technologies and expanding its eco-friendly fleet. The methanol dual-fuel-ready newbuildings symbolize the company’s determination to meet international environmental goals while ensuring a resilient and competitive shipping network for decades to come.
Source: Yang Ming Marine Transport | Shell Marine
