The Taiwanese liner shipping company Yang Ming Marine Transport has ordered a series of seven container ships from the Hanwha Ocean shipyard in South Korea. The vessels will feature dual-fuel propulsion systems and each have a capacity of 15,000 TEU.
The order is part of the container giant’s planned fleet optimization. In addition to this series, six more ships of 8,000 TEU each are planned. Yang Ming introduced the strategy in March; CEO Feng-Ming Tsai promised to maintain the company’s capacity position. Unlike its competitors, Yang Ming was less aggressive in expanding its fleet during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, it dropped to 10th place in 2024, losing its ninth spot to Israel’s Zim Line.
The price of the newbuild has not been disclosed, but according to Clarksons’ valuation platform it is around $174 million per vessel. Yang Ming currently operates with a total capacity of 724,815 TEU. The fleet consists of 100 vessels, including 60 container ships with a total of 335,496 TEU. An additional six dual-fuel LNG ships of 15,500 TEU each are under construction at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries with delivery expected in 2026.
Tsai explained at an industry event last week that the new ships may deployed on routes between the Far East and South America (East Coast). This would mark Yang Ming’s first vessel deployment on this route, having previously participated via slot purchases. Tsai also emphasized the need for diversification from Yang Ming’s core trans-Pacific business, citing uncertainties stemming from tariffs imposed by former US President Donald Trump on many trading partners.
According to Yang Ming, the newbuilds, which are scheduled for delivery in 2028/2029, will replace old ships and “ensure stable operations on the East-West routes while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% compared to conventional fuels”.
In addition to this order, Yang Ming had placed an order for three 8,000 TEU ships with the Japanese shipyard Imabari Shipbuilding as part of the plan presented in March, which are to be delivered in 2028/2029.
