Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. have signed a new shipbuilding contract for five 15,500 TEU LNG vessels.

The contract signing was conducted by Yang Ming’s Chief Marine Technology Officer, Captain James Jeng, and Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Executive Vice President, Jae Ho Kang.

These new vessels, to be built by Hyundai Heavy Industries, are a part of Yang Ming’s mid-long term fleet plan. The LNG vessels are scheduled to be delivered in 2026.

In response to the maritime net zero carbon emission target by 2050, Yang Ming is continuously building a green and energy-saving fleet.

According to Yang Ming, a dedicated desk has been built to monitor energy efficiency and the development of future marine fuels.

These five 15,500 TEU vessels will reportedly be equipped with high-pressure LNG dual fuel main engine and ballast water treatment system to meet the latest environmental regulations.

Yang Ming’s current operating fleet comprises 94 LNG vessels, with a capacity of approximately 715,000 TEU.

With these five 15,500 TEU LNG vessels, Yang Ming could potentially optimise its fleet, reduce operating costs, and improve carbon emission reduction.

Yang Ming believes that these new vessels can enhance the company’s overall competitiveness, while providing comprehensive and quality service to its customers.

In September 2022, Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. welcomed its newest 11,000 TEU containership YM Trillion.