Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. has christened its fourth 15,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, the YM Weight, at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ South Korean shipyard. The dual-classed eco-friendly flagship features industry-first underwater noise notations and highlights the carrier’s commitment to crew safety training via specialized IGF Code programs. It will be deployed directly onto Yang Ming’s Asia–West Mediterranean MS2 service rotation.
Taipei | September 17, 2026 – Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. has officially named its newest alternative-fuel flagship, the YM Weight, during a high-profile ceremony held on September 17, at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea.
As the fourth vessel in a series of five 15,500 TEU-class liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel container ships, the milestone marks a major step forward in the green transition of Taiwan’s shipping industry.
Ceremony and Distinguished Guests
Mrs. Chiu-Lien Lin, spouse of Administrative Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications Mr. Kuo-Shian Lin, served as the vessel’s Godmother. She christened the ship and performed the ceremonial cord-cutting, wishing the vessel smooth sailing and full loading on all future voyages.
The naming ceremony was graced by several prominent figures, including:
- Mr. Kuo-Shian Lin, Administrative Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications
- The Chairman of CR Classification Society (CR)
- Senior executives from Yang Ming and HD HHI
Their presence underscored the strategic importance of adopting next-generation alternative-fuel tonnage.
Vessel Specifications and Dual-Class Innovation
Built by HD HHI, the YM Weight boasts cutting-edge marine engineering and environmental technologies tailored for modern global trade:
- Dimensions: Length overall (LOA) of 364.97 meters and a breadth of 51 meters.
- Capacity: Approximately 15,600 TEU.
- Propulsion: High-pressure dual-fuel main engines capable of running on both LNG and low-sulfur fuel oil.
- Smart Tech & Safety: Equipped with integrated navigational information systems, real-time equipment monitoring, broadband maritime satellite systems, and multiple energy-saving technologies to optimize operational efficiency and safety.
- Dual Classification: Jointly classed by CR Classification Society and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), ensuring strict international technical compliance.
Industry-First Marine Life Protection
Following proactive underwater noise measurements, YM Weight achieved two prestigious industry firsts by securing:
- The Underwater Noise (UWN) notation from ABS.
- The Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) notation from CR.
These dual recognitions highlight Yang Ming’s strong commitment to mitigating operational impacts on marine life and driving sustainable maritime development alongside Taiwan’s classification sector.
Seafarer Training and Crew Readiness
Recognizing that modern alternative-fuel fleets require specialized human capital, Yang Ming has prioritized rigorous professional training programs for its crews:
- Delivery Captain: Senior Captain Ming-Yeong Pan will serve as the delivery captain for the YM Weight. Notably, Captain Pan is the very first seafarer in Taiwan to receive the Advanced Training Certificate under the IGF Code (Certificate No. 0001), issued by the Maritime and Port Bureau, MOTC.
- Milestone Numbers: To date, 148 Yang Ming officers have successfully completed advanced IGF Code training. They will progressively undertake onboard training on LNG-fueled vessels alongside practical alternative-fuel bunkering training.
- Direct Management: Directly managed and operated by Yang Ming, the YM Weight showcases the company’s end-to-end expertise—from shore-based professional training to hands-on green vessel operations and safety management.
Deployment on the MS2 Service
The YM Weight will be immediately deployed onto Yang Ming’s Asia–West Mediterranean MS2 service, delivering reliable, low-carbon transportation solutions between critical global trade gateways.
Comprehensive Port Rotation:
Pusan – Shanghai – Ningbo – Kaohsiung – Shekou – Singapore – (Cape of Good Hope) – Tangier – Valencia – Barcelona – Genoa – La Spezia – Fos – (Cape of Good Hope) – Singapore – Laem Chabang – Cai Mep – Yantian – Pusan – Long Beach – Oakland – Pusan.
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.
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
- ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)
- ISM Code (International Safety Management)
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:
Source: Yang Ming Marine Transport