Yang Ming launches two new LNG container ships and starts 15,500 TEU series

Taiwanese shipowner Yang Ming celebrated, in Ulsan, South Korea, the christening of two new dual-fuel LNG container ships, the YM Willpower and the YM Worthiness. The vessels are the first units in a new series with a capacity of 15,500 TEU, representing a relevant step in the company’s fleet modernization process.

According to Yang Ming, the incorporation of liquefied natural gas as fuel will allow an immediate reduction in emissions of around 20%, reinforcing the shipowner’s commitment to more sustainable practices in maritime transport. With this initiative, the company becomes the first Taiwanese shipping company to operate container ships equipped with LNG propulsion.

The new ships feature state-of-the-art dual-fuel engines, designed to offer greater operational efficiency and lower environmental impact. Furthermore, the units integrate advanced Smart Ship systems, which use digital and monitoring solutions to reinforce navigation safety and optimize performance throughout voyages.

YM Willpower’s operational debut is scheduled for February 8, when it will join the MD2 service, linking ports in Asia to the Mediterranean. The christening ceremony was attended by the ship’s godmother, Yu-Fen Li, as well as representatives from partners and entities involved in the project.

For Yang Ming, the delivery of these vessels symbolizes a strategic milestone, aligned with the increasingly stringent environmental requirements of international maritime transport and the need for a more efficient, technological and sustainable fleet.