_{Photo credit: Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (Yang Ming)}

Taiwanese liner company Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation has placed an order for six 8,000 teu-class methanol dual-fuel-ready containerships on October 28 with Nihon Shipyard, Imabari Shipbuilding and Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.

It did not disclose the cost of the newbuildings, which are going to replace aging vessels.

The contracts include the purchase of three containerships and newbuilding orders for another three, signed by Dr. Chuck Tsai, chairman of Yang Ming, and Mr. Yukito Higaki, director of Nihon Shipyard.

These vessels are scheduled for delivery starting in 2028.

The 8,000 teu-class containerships will be the first batch in Yang Ming’s fleet to adopt methanol dual-fuel-ready specifications.

Upon delivery, the new vessels will gradually replace Yang Ming’s 5,500 teu-class containerships that have been in service for over 20 years.

The main engine design of these vessels is prepared for future conversion to green methanol fuel, and the propulsion system will feature high-efficiency propeller, energy-saving rudder, and rudder fin to further optimize performance.

These features provide the flexibility, Yang Ming said, to adapt future energy strategies in line with evolving green methanol technologies and environmental regulations.