Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation has signed a landmark contract with South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean for the construction of seven 16,000 TEU containerships designed to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and prepared for future conversion to ammonia fuel, OffshoreEnergy reports.
The deal, finalized on September 16, covers vessels with a capacity of 15,880 TEUs each. According to the company, these will be the first containerships in Taiwan to carry an ammonia fuel-ready notation, granted by the ABS. Deliveries are scheduled between 2028 and 2029.
Yang Ming emphasized that the newbuilds form part of its decarbonization strategy. Running initially on LNG, the ships are expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by about 20%. With future conversion to ammonia dual-fuel, emission reductions could reach up to 61%.
In addition, the series will feature what is described as the world’s first type B LNG fuel tank with a 1.0 bar design pressure. The technology is expected to enhance operational safety and efficiency compared with conventional 0.7 bar designs, while aligning with upcoming shore power requirements.
Analysts note that the move places Yang Ming among the regional leaders in preparing for a transition to cleaner fuels, signaling how Asia’s container shipping industry is adapting to global pressure for lower emissions.
