Yang Ming and Hanwha Ocean signed contract for seven new 16,000 TEU Class LNG dual-fuel container vessels

Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (“Yang Ming”) signed a shipbuilding contract with Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd. (“Hanwha Ocean”) for seven 16,000 TEU class LNG dual-fuel container vessels. The contract was signed by Mr. Chuck Tsai, Chairman of Yang Ming, and Mr. Charles Kim, CEO of Hanwha Ocean. These vessels are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2029, marking a significant milestone in Yang Ming’s fleet optimization and low-carbon transportation service.

Each with a capacity of 15,880 TEU, the newbuildings will be the first LNG dual-fuel container vessels in Taiwan to feature Ammonia Fuel Ready (AFR) specifications. In addition to complying with the stringent environmental requirements of the IMO, the design incorporates future conversion to ammonia dual-fuel propulsion. This ensures both high operational efficiency and flexibility in alternative fuel adoption during the decarbonization transition. The design has been granted the “Ammonia Fuel Ready Level 1C” notation by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

This vessel series will also be equipped with the world’s first Type-B LNG fuel tank with a 1.0 bar design pressure, developed under a Joint Development Project between Hanwha Ocean and ABS. This innovation enhances the safety and efficiency of LNG operations compared to the conventional 0.7 bar design, while supporting compliance with future shore-power regulations and providing a cleaner, more reliable energy transition solution.

LNG is regarded as one of the most mature and practical alternative fuels in the transition toward net-zero emissions. By adopting dual-fuel technology, GHG emissions can be reduced by approximately 20%. In addition to these seven LNG dual-fuel vessels, Yang Ming has five 15,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessels scheduled for delivery beginning in 2026. Together, this fleet of twelve LNG dual-fuel vessels will significantly increase the proportion of green-energy ships in Yang Ming’s fleet and enhance service flexibility and competitiveness across the global service network.

Ammonia is emerging as one of the promising next-generation marine fuel options due to its zero CO₂ emissions during combustion. Its adoption in converted LNG tanks further lowers conversion costs, while its supply chain and infrastructure are relatively well-established. By enabling ammonia adoption, Yang Ming will be better positioned to comply with future international GHG regulations and reinforce its green competitiveness.

Yang Ming will continue to keep pace with global industrial transformation by phasing out older vessels, capturing niche market opportunities, and advancing diversified clean energy solutions to enhance capacity and operational efficiency. Through these initiatives, Yang Ming is set to strengthen its sustainability strategies and uphold its commitment to service excellence.