Yang Ming has named its first two 15,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel vessels, YM Willpower and YM Worthiness, at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. These “Smart Ships” offer a 20% reduction in GHG emissions and are set to lead Yang Ming’s green transition on the Asia-Mediterranean route.
Ulsan | February 6, 2026 – Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. (Yang Ming) has officially ushered in a new era of green shipping with the naming of its first two 15,500 TEU Class LNG dual-fuel container vessels. The ceremony, held on February 4th at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) shipyard, marks Yang Ming’s milestone as the first Taiwanese carrier to operate LNG-powered tonnage.
The vessels, YM Willpower and YM Worthiness, were officially named by Godmother Mrs. Yu-Fen Li, spouse of Taiwan’s Minister of Transportation and Communications, Mr. Shih-Kai Chen. The event was attended by high-level executives from Yang Ming’s global joint venture partners, including Sebang Group, Arkas Holding, FINSEA S.p.A., and Catalana Del Mar, S.A.
Technical Specifications & Sustainability Profile
Designed to meet the industry’s “Net-Zero by 2050” target, these vessels represent the cutting edge of naval architecture and environmental engineering.
- Capacity: 15,600 TEU (Nominal)
- Dimensions: 364.97m (LOA) x 51m (Breadth)
- Propulsion: High-pressure LNG dual-fuel main engines.
- Emission Standards: Equipped with exhaust gas after-treatment systems compliant with IMO Tier III NOx standards.
By primarily utilizing LNG, these vessels achieve an immediate 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional marine fuels, while significantly slashing localized air pollution in coastal regions.
Safety and Smart Technology
Beyond their “green” credentials, the sister ships are built for high-level operational intelligence, earning Smart Ship Notations from Bureau Veritas and Lloyd’s Register.
- Data Integration: Integrated navigational information and equipment monitoring systems.
- Connectivity: High-speed broadband maritime satellite systems for real-time big data collection.
- Safety Focus: Advanced monitoring to ensure the highest standards of personnel, vessel, and cargo security.
Fleet Deployment & Global Service
The YM Willpower is set to commence its maiden voyage on February 8th, joining the MD2 (Far East–Mediterranean) service. This route is critical for Yang Ming’s European trade strategy, offering a comprehensive port rotation:
MD2 Rotation: Pusan → Shanghai → Ningbo → Kaohsiung → Shekou → Singapore → Tangier → Valencia → Barcelona → Genoa → La Spezia → Fos Sur Mer → Singapore → Pusan.
The sister vessel, YM Worthiness, is scheduled for delivery in Q2 2026, further strengthening Yang Ming’s competitive edge in the Asia-Med corridor.
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