Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. (Yang Ming) will be adding another new 11,000 TEU class container vessel on its trans-Pacific service starting September 24.
The vessel — which it recently named 'YM Topmost' — will follow the port rotation of PS6: Qingdao – Ningbo – Pusan – Los Angeles – Oakland – Kobe – Qingdao.
"The series of new vessels will lower the average age of its global fleet, reduce unit cost and achieve energy efficiency. With the deliveries of these ships, Yang Ming can accelerate its fleet optimization plan and proactively cope with the challenges and stricter environmental regulations faced by the fast-changing shipping industry," the Taiwan-based ocean shipping company said.
Yang Ming started taking delivery of these new vessels in 2020.
"These additions will help the company to accommodate increased customer needs and maximize capacity utilization," it added.
YM Topmost is the 7th delivered in the series 11,860 TEU and is equipped with 1,000 plugs for reefer containers. With a length of 333.9 meters, a width of 48.4 meters, a draft of 16 meters, these vessels are designed to cruise at a speed up to 23 knots.
The containerships incorporate various environmental features including scrubbers, water ballast treatment plant, and an alternative marine power systems.
Yang Ming said the ship will be delivered on September 22.
Easier navigation through Panama Canal
"This type of vessels adopts the twin-island design to increase loading capacity and navigational visibility to ensure more efficiency and safety. The ship hull form optimization will further increase energy saving and reduce overall emissions. In addition, the ships are designed with shorter length and beam, which makes them easier to maneuver during berthing or departure," Yang Ming added.
"The new dimensions enable these ships to call at major ports worldwide and pass through new Panama Canal with no restriction, and facilitate greater flexibility in vessel deployment," it added.
A total of six newbuildings have been delivered and deployed on Yang Ming’s trans-Pacific services.
The vessel was chartered from Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. and built by Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. It was named at a ceremony held at Imabari Hiroshima Shipyard on September 7.
To further strengthen Yang Ming’s mid-to-long-term operational efficiency, the company ordered a total of fourteen 11,000 TEU new buildings through long-term charter agreements with ship owners.