Taipei, Taiwan | October 29, 2025 – Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (Yang Ming) has officially signed contracts for six 8,000 TEU-class methanol dual-fuel-ready containerships, reinforcing its long-term commitment to sustainability and operational excellence. The signing ceremony took place on October 28, 2025, at the Imabari International Hotel in Japan.
The contracts were executed with Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd., Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., and Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., marking another milestone in the company’s decades-long partnership with Japan’s leading shipbuilders. The agreements include the purchase of three vessels and newbuilding orders for another three, signed by Dr. Chuck Tsai, Chairman of Yang Ming, and Mr. Yukito Higaki, Director of Nihon Shipyard.
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Fleet Renewal for the Future
These six new vessels — each with a capacity of 8,000 TEUs — are Yang Ming’s first-ever methanol dual-fuel-ready containerships. Delivery is scheduled to begin in 2028, representing a significant advancement in Yang Ming’s fleet optimization plan.
Upon delivery, the ships will gradually replace the company’s aging 5,500 TEU-class vessels, many of which have been in operation for over two decades. The modernization effort aims to secure medium- and long-term capacity while enhancing operational flexibility and environmental performance across global trade routes.
Sustainable Design and Green Technology
Each of the new vessels will feature advanced energy-efficient technologies, including:
- Methanol dual-fuel-ready main engines, designed for future conversion to green methanol.
- High-efficiency propeller systems, along with energy-saving rudders and rudder fins to boost propulsion performance and reduce fuel consumption.
- A focus on carbon intensity reduction, aligning with IMO decarbonization targets and other international environmental regulations.
By preparing for methanol adoption — a low-carbon and potentially carbon-neutral fuel — Yang Ming aims to future-proof its fleet against tightening emissions standards and strengthen its contribution to global shipping decarbonization.
Strengthening Global Competitiveness
Yang Ming emphasized that the newbuild program is part of a broader initiative to enhance service reliability and global competitiveness. The company plans to align its fleet capacity with market dynamics, ensuring long-term supply stability for customers amid evolving global trade patterns.
Through continuous collaboration with Nihon Shipyard, Imabari Shipbuilding, and Shoei Kisen, Yang Ming is advancing ship design innovation and expanding its energy transition roadmap. The new methanol-ready ships also support customer demands for greener logistics solutions and sustainable supply chain partnerships.
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 101 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