Yang Ming is set to expand its sustainable fleet with an order for three more 8,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel-ready containerships from Japan's Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. and Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.

Combined with the three 8,000 TEU vessels purchased in March, Yang Ming will have a total of six methanol dual-fuel-ready containerships scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2030.

"To maintain the competitiveness of its core container shipping business, Yang Ming has obtained Board approval for its fleet optimization plan, which includes the addition of up to thirteen 8,000 to 15,000 TEU class containerships," the Taiwan-headquartered container shipping line said.

The orders comprise six 8,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel-ready vessels and seven 15,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel vessels, which will replace aging ships ranging from 5,500 to 6,500 TEU that have been in service for over 20 years.

Yang Ming said these newbuildings are expected to stabilize mid- to long-term fleet deployment and strengthen the company's service offerings.

The 8,000 TEU ships will feature energy-efficient main engines and a methanol dual-fuel-ready design, providing flexibility to accommodate the evolving availability of alternative fuels and future regulatory changes.

"Yang Ming continues to implement its fleet optimization plan to ensure comprehensive service coverage while enhancing competitiveness and operational resilience," the ocean carrier said in the announcement.

It noted that amid ongoing supply chain restructuring and global uncertainties, the company remains committed to delivering reliable and sustainable transportation services.