Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. is purchasing three methanol-ready container vessels from Japan’s Shoei Kisen Kaisha Ltd. for up to $360 million as part of its fleet modernization strategy.
The 8,000 TEU vessels, currently under construction at Imabari Shipbuilding, will be delivered between 2028 and 2029, the Taiwanese shipping company said in a statement Friday. The total transaction value ranges from $339 million to $360 million (NT$10.83 billion to NT$11.5 billion).
This acquisition represents the first phase of Yang Ming’s vessel deployment plan approved by its board in December 2024, which authorized the purchase of up to 13 container ships ranging from 8,000 to 15,000 TEU capacity.
The new vessels feature energy-efficient main engines expected to immediately reduce fuel consumption compared to older generation ships. Their dual-fuel capabilities provide flexibility for future green fuel adoption as the industry faces increasing pressure for environmentally friendly transport solutions.
Yang Ming cited geopolitical shifts, global supply chain restructuring, and customer demand for greener shipping services as key industry challenges. The company says it’s focusing on digital transformation, smart operations, and energy efficiency to strengthen operational resilience and expand its transport service footprint.
