Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (Yang Ming) has signed contracts for six 8,000 TEU-class methanol dual-fuel-ready containerships with Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. (Nihon Shipyard), Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (Imabari Shipbuilding), and Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (Shoei Kisen).

The contracts include the purchase of three containerships and newbuilding orders for another three.

The Taiwan-headquartered shipping line said these vessels are scheduled for delivery starting in 2028, marking a key step in Yang Ming's fleet optimization plan to secure mid- to long-term capacity supply and strengthen its global service network.

The 8,000 TEU-class containerships will be the first batch in Yang Ming's fleet to adopt methanol dual-fuel-ready specifications.

Upon delivery, the new vessels will gradually replace Yang Ming's 5,500 TEU-class containerships that have been in service for over 20 years.

The newbuildings, also equipped with energy-efficient designs, will enhance Yang Ming's competitiveness and operational flexibility across multiple main services while contributing to continuous carbon intensity reduction in compliance with international environmental regulations.

Yang Ming said the main engine design of these vessels is prepared for future conversion to green methanol fuel, and the propulsion system will feature high-efficiency propeller, energy-saving rudder, and rudder fin to further optimize performance.

"These features provide the flexibility to adapt future energy strategies in line with evolving green methanol technologies and environmental regulations, underscoring Yang Ming's dedication to supporting customers’ decarbonization goals and promoting sustainable transportation," the ocean carrier said.

Yang Ming noted that it will continue focusing on the steady growth of its core container shipping business, and will continue to monitor market dynamics, medium- to long-term service planning, and international regulatory developments.

"By optimizing fleet resources to enhance operational competitiveness, Yang Ming aims to build a comprehensive global transport network, expand its operational scale in line with global trade growth, and provide customers with safe, reliable, and low-carbon transportation services," it said.