Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation has signed contracts for six 8,000 TEU-class methanol dual-fuel-ready containerships with Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd., Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., and Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.

The contracts — signed by Dr. Chuck Tsai, chairman of Yang Ming, and Mr. Yukito Higaki, director of Nihon Shipyard — comprise the purchase of three containerships and newbuilding orders for another three. They are scheduled for delivery starting in 2028.

The 8,000 TEU-class containerships will be the first batch in the carrier'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 the boxships is prepared for future conversion to green methanol fuel, and the propulsion system will feature a high-efficiency propeller, energy-saving rudder, and rudder fin, Yang Ming said.

The order forms part of Yang Ming's fleet optimization plan to secure mid- to long-term capacity supply and strengthen its global service network. The carrier's board approved, at its 400th Board Meeting, plans to add up to 13 containerships ranging from 8,000 to 15,000 TEU.

Earlier this year, in March, Yang Ming purchased three 8,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel-ready vessels from Shoei Kisen, with those ships under construction at Imabari Shipbuilding for delivery between 2028 and 2029.

In July, the carrier ordered three additional 8,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel-ready containerships from Nihon Shipyard and Imabari Shipbuilding, with deliveries scheduled between 2028 and 2030.

Yang Ming also ordered seven 15,880 TEU LNG dual-fuel ammonia-ready containerships from South Korea's Hanwha Ocean.