Taiwanese shipping major Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. has signed a contract with South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean for the construction of seven 15,880 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessels, which will also be ammonia fuel-ready (AFR) — a first for Taiwan’s container shipping sector. The deal was finalized on September 16.
The newbuilds, designed with the flexibility to convert to ammonia dual-fuel operations, are expected to support Yang Ming’s pathway toward carbon neutrality, in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s decarbonization goals. Deliveries are scheduled between 2028 and 2029.
According to company officials, operating on LNG could cut CO₂ emissions by 20%, while future conversion to ammonia fuel could achieve reductions of up to 61%.
In a notable innovation, the vessels will feature what is described as the world’s first type B LNG fuel tank with a 1.0 bar design pressure, developed under a joint project between Hanwha Ocean and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). This upgraded system is expected to enhance safety, efficiency, and compliance with evolving shore power regulations, compared to conventional 0.7 bar tanks.
The AFR notation for the series has been granted by ABS, reinforcing the ships’ role in supporting Yang Ming’s green fleet ambitions.
This latest order builds on Yang Ming’s ongoing fleet renewal program. In July 2025, the carrier placed another order with Hanwha Ocean for a similar set of containerships, while in December 2024, it booked 13 newbuilds ranging from 8,000 TEU to 15,000 TEU. The company also expects delivery of five 15,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel vessels starting in 2026.
Yang Ming emphasized that these investments will strengthen its environmentally friendly fleet, ensuring competitiveness and compliance as the shipping industry transitions toward zero-carbon fuels.