On December 20th,, Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (“Yang Ming”) announced that it has held its 400th Board Meeting and approved a new fleet optimization plan. This plan includes the addition of up to thirteen 8,000 TEU to 15,000 TEU container vessels with subsequent procedures to follow.
Dedicated to delivering comprehensive and efficient global transportation services, Yang Ming continues to optimize its service network and enhance fleet competitiveness. To ensure sustainable mid- to long-term business growth, the Company plans to replace its over-20-year-old 5,500 TEU to 6,500 TEU class containerships and strengthen the operational advantages of Yang Ming’s main service routes. Yang Ming will comprehensively evaluate energy-saving technology developments and adopt clean energy to address climate change challenges, aiming to gradually reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance corporate resilience, and provide customers worldwide with more environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
According to Alphaliner data, Yang Ming Marine Transportation currently has a capacity of about 705,000 TEU, ranking 10th in the world, including 97 vessels, of which 59 are owned (about 324,000 TEU).
Currently, among the three major liner companies in Taiwan province, Evergreen Marine, Yang Ming and Wan Hai Lines, Evergreen Marine has 51 new vessels under construction (about 590,000 TEU) and Wan Hai Lines has 30 new vessels under construction (about 308,000 TEU). Yang Ming has placed the fewest orders in recent years, with only five new ships under construction, totaling 77,500 TEU.
It is reported that in recent years, Yang Ming has placed an order for five LNG dual-fuel 15,000TEU container ships from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in 2023 alone. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2026. The cost of each vessel is US$190 million, and the total order value is US$950 million.
In August 2022, Yang Ming proposed a plan to build five new 15,000 TEU class container ships. After the bidding process was launched, major shipyards from China, South Korea and Japan participated in the bidding. In the end, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries from South Korea was successful in receiving the order for the five vessels.