Ocean carrier Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation has signed a shipbuilding contract with Hanwha Ocean for six 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessels, with deliveries scheduled between 2028 and 2029 to support East-West trade services.
Yang Ming Orders Six Vessels for Low-Carbon Fleet
The agreement marks a key step in Yang Ming’s fleet renewal plan, aiming to introduce 24 low-carbon vessels by 2030. This includes 18 LNG dual-fuel ships—five 15,500 TEU, seven 16,000 TEU, and the newly ordered six 13,000 TEU vessels—alongside six 8,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel-ready ships. The contract was signed by Dr. Chuck Tsai, Chairman of Yang Ming, and Mr. Charles Kim, CEO of Hanwha Ocean, reflecting a strategic push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and align with international environmental regulations.
The contract advances Yang Ming’s 2030 goal of introducing 24 low-carbon vessels, with the six 13,000 TEU vessels under this agreement forming part of the 18 LNG dual-fuel ships in the plan.
Technical Specifications and Environmental Impact
Each vessel will have a capacity of up to 13,650 TEU and feature LNG dual-fuel propulsion, capable of cutting emissions by approximately 20%. The Ammonia Fuel Ready design allows for future conversion of LNG storage facilities to ammonia, a carbon-free fuel, with lower conversion costs compared to other alternatives. Type B LNG fuel tanks with a 1.0 bar design pressure will enhance safety, while energy-saving technologies like Wind Shields, Rudder Bulbs, and Shore Power Systems will further reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The newbuildings will also incorporate smart ship technologies and cybersecurity protections to improve operational efficiency. According to Yang Ming, the Ammonia Fuel Ready specifications utilize converted LNG storage facilities, offering relatively lower conversion costs and well-developed supply chains.
The vessels will be equipped with a range of energy-saving modifications, including forward wind shields, rudder bulbs, pre-swirl stators, and shore power connection systems. These features are designed to optimize hydrodynamic efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, the ships will feature integrated smart ship telematics with cybersecurity protections, enhancing safety and reliability while reducing fuel consumption. Yang Ming emphasized that LNG provides a mature and economically viable alternative fuel solution for transitioning toward net-zero emissions, with ammonia offering a carbon-free option through converted storage infrastructure.
Yang Ming Diversifies Clean Energy to Meet Regulations
The deal aligns with broader industry trends toward decarbonization, as shipping companies seek to meet stricter international regulations. Yang Ming’s 2030 fleet plan highlights its commitment to diversifying clean-energy strategies, balancing LNG, methanol, and ammonia-ready technologies. The company has already begun deliveries under its next-generation fleet optimization plan, with the 2030 target serving as a roadmap for sustained green competitiveness. Yang Ming’s existing fleet of 10,000+ TEU vessels will be supplemented by the newbuildings, which are designed to replace aging conventional tonnage and lower overall fleet carbon intensity.
Yang Ming’s fleet renewal strategy includes expanding its presence in niche markets while executing a diversified clean-energy approach. The company stated that the new vessels will further optimize global fleet deployment, strengthen the competitiveness of its core services, increase the proportion of low-carbon vessels in its fleet, and enhance its green competitiveness.
This aligns with the broader goal of delivering comprehensive, reliable services to customers worldwide. The contract with Hanwha Ocean underscores Yang Ming’s proactive stance in adapting to evolving regulatory and market demands, ensuring long-term operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.