July, 2025 — Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation has announced a significant step in its fleet optimization and decarbonization strategy with the order of seven 15,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel containerships from Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd. The decision was approved during Yang Ming’s 404th Board Meeting on July 17, 2025.
These new vessels are slated for delivery between 2028 and 2029 and will replace older ships, bolstering Yang Ming’s service capabilities on East-West routes. This order follows a previous one for five LNG dual-fuel containerships expected to join the fleet from 2026, further cementing Yang Ming’s commitment to cleaner shipping.
Fleet Modernization Aligned with Global Green Goals
This latest order is part of Yang Ming’s broader effort to future-proof its fleet while supporting global carbon reduction initiatives. Equipped with LNG dual-fuel propulsion systems, the vessels are expected to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximately 20% compared to conventional fuel-powered ships.
Combined with five additional LNG dual-fuel ships already scheduled for delivery beginning in 2026, Yang Ming is reinforcing its long-term environmental commitment and ensuring alignment with stricter international environmental regulations such as IMO decarbonization targets.
Enhancing Service Stability and Operational Resilience
By integrating LNG technology and diversifying energy sources, Yang Ming aims to not only comply with regulatory standards but also ensure service reliability, fleet flexibility, and energy security in a volatile market. The vessels are specifically designed to support high-efficiency service on East-West lanes, enabling the company to meet rising global trade demands while maintaining operational excellence.
This strategic investment enhances Yang Ming’s competitiveness amid evolving supply chain dynamics and strengthens its positioning as a leading global carrier capable of adapting to both customer needs and regulatory pressures.
Strategic Vision: Becoming the Carrier of Choice
With a forward-looking approach, Yang Ming continues to deliver on its promise of providing reliable, sustainable, and high-quality marine transport solutions. The dual-fuel fleet strategy underscores Yang Ming’s dedication to year-on-year carbon intensity reduction while securing a resilient pathway toward energy transition.
LNG as Marine Fuel: Industry Landscape
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) has firmly established itself as the leading transitional fuel in the maritime industry’s push toward decarbonization. By the end of 2024, around 638 LNG dual-fuel vessels were in operation globally—an increase of over 30% compared to the previous year. Industry forecasts suggest this number could exceed 1,200 vessels by 2028, reflecting the growing confidence in LNG as a scalable and mature alternative to conventional marine fuels.
In 2024 alone, 264 new LNG dual-fuel vessels were ordered, more than doubling the previous year’s total, while 169 vessels were delivered—marking a record year for LNG fleet expansion. Container ships represent a significant share of this growth, with 142 LNG-fueled containerships already in service and more than 300 on order. LNG now accounts for approximately 6% of the global commercial fleet by deadweight tonnage, underscoring its rising influence in the future energy mix.
This rapid adoption is supported by a growing global bunkering network, with LNG refueling infrastructure now available at nearly 200 ports worldwide and expansion plans underway in dozens more. The increasing number of LNG bunkering vessels further ensures secure fuel availability for operators. As the shipping industry continues its energy transition, LNG offers a practical and immediate path to emissions reduction, while serving as a bridge to future low- and zero-carbon fuels such as bio-LNG, synthetic methane, ammonia, and methanol.
About Yang Ming
Founded on December 28, 1972, Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (YM) is a global container shipping leader with extensive service routes covering Asia, Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Africa. With more than 241 offices in 87 countries, and major regional centers in the U.S., Panama, Germany, Greece, and Singapore, YM offers comprehensive and uninterrupted transport solutions.
Yang Ming’s core values — Teamwork, Innovation, Integrity, and Pragmatism — are the backbone of its reputation for punctual, economical, and reliable shipping services. Through strategic global partnerships and continuous innovation, YM has earned numerous local and international certifications and remains dedicated to enhancing global competitiveness.
As of June 2024, Yang Ming operates a fleet of 94 vessels with a total deadweight tonnage of 7.959 million D.W.T and a combined operating capacity of 707,000 TEUs, with container ships forming the cornerstone of its operations.
Source: Yang Ming Marine Transport