Yang Ming orders six container ships from Hanwha
Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation has signed a newbuilding contract with Hanwha Ocean for six 13,000 TEU-class LNG dual-fuel container vessels. This agreement expands the carrier’s shipping capacity and seeks to support key trade lanes across the globe.
New ships for key routes
Deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2028 and 2029. These large ultra-large container ships will serve as core capacity for east-west liner routes. The vessels connect Asia’s busiest ports with the East and West Coasts of North America, South America, and the Mediterranean.
Each new vessel boasts a capacity of up to 13,650 TEU. They are designed to supplement the carrier’s existing fleet, providing the necessary tonnage to handle growing demand on these specific corridors.
The contract covers a wide range of technical upgrades. Every ship features LNG dual-fuel propulsion and is ammonia fuel ready. This capability permits the operator to adapt to changing fuel regulations in the future.
Technical specifications and efficiency
Safety and efficiency are vital to the vessel design. They will be equipped with Type B LNG fuel tanks that operate at a design pressure of 1.0 bar. This setup boosts the safety and efficiency of LNG operations onboard.
To reduce the environmental impact, the ships will employ a range of energy-saving technologies. These include Wind Shields, Rudder Bulbs, Pre-Swirl Stators, and Shore Power Systems. These tools are designed to lower fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions during transit and while docked.
Beyond propulsion, the design includes smart ship technologies and cybersecurity protection. These features aim to improve operational efficiency, safety, and reliability for the crew and the shipping line.
Fleet optimisation plan through 2030
The current contract fits into a broader next-generation fleet optimisation plan. Deliveries under this strategy have already commenced earlier this year.
Yang Ming officials stated that amid ongoing global supply chain restructuring and market uncertainty, the company remains committed to the steady development of its core container shipping business. They emphasized the importance of keeping pace with industry advancements.
By 2030, a total of 24 new vessels are expected to enter service. The fleet composition includes 18 LNG dual-fuel vessels. This group comprises five 15,500 TEU ships, seven 16,000 TEU ships, and the six 13,000 TEU vessels currently on order from Hanwha Ocean. Additionally, six 8,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel-ready ships will supplement the lineup.
This investment indicates the industry’s push toward larger, greener vessels. By committing to LNG and ammonia-ready ships, Yang Ming is seeking to future-proof its operations against tightening environmental standards. The shift toward these larger classes also addresses the economic realities of modern shipping, where efficiency is critical for maintaining margins in a volatile market.
