Taiwan’s Yang Ming recently announced plans for a fleet optimization and expansion program following strong financial results in 2024. The company is purchasing three dual-fuel methanol containerships from Japanese leasing company Shoei Kisen Kaisha, which are currently under construction by Imabari Shipbuilding. These vessels, each with a capacity of 8,000 TEU, are set for delivery in 2028 and 2029 and will feature energy-efficient main engines to accommodate future adoption of alternative fuels. Yang Ming also aims to incorporate digitalization and smart technologies into its operations.
Ranked number 10 on Alphaliner’s sector ranking with a capacity of over 700,000 TEU, Yang Ming is focused on strengthening its core business. As part of the reworked Premier Alliance alongside HMM and ONE, the company plans to expand its services to compensate for the departure of Hapag-Lloyd from The Alliance. Yang Ming has already introduced new Transpacific trade service and Transatlantic routes, with a commitment to enhancing regional services to diversify its offerings.
In 2024, Yang Ming reported consolidated revenues of $6.9 billion and a profit of nearly $2 billion, despite challenges such as supply growth outpacing demand. The fleet optimization plan involves replacing aging vessels with capacities ranging from 5,500 to 6,500 TEU, along with the addition of 13 new vessels including dual-fuel-ready and LNG dual-fuel vessels. While no specific timeline was provided for the fleet optimization program, Yang Ming emphasizes its importance as a key component of its business strategy.
