Yang Ming Acquires Three Methanol-Ready Boxships

Taiwanese shipping company Yang Ming Marine Transport has finalized a purchase agreement with Japan’s Shoei Kisen for three newbuild containerships, each with an 8,000 TEU capacity and designed to be methanol dual-fuel ready. 

These vessels, currently under construction at Imabari Shipbuilding in Japan, are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2029. Yang Ming disclosed in a stock exchange filing that the total value of the transaction ranges from $339 million to $360 million. 

This acquisition marks a significant step in Yang Ming’s previously announced fleet renewal initiative. In late 2023, the company revealed plans to add up to 13 newbuildings ranging between 8,000 TEU and 15,000 TEU to gradually replace older vessels in the 5,500 to 6,500 TEU range that have been in service for over two decades. 

“The acquisition of the three 8,000 teu vessels, currently under construction, marks the first phase of the plan. The remaining portion will be carried out in accordance with internal procurement procedures to ensure mid- to long-term fleet stability and maintain service quality,” the company said. 

Before this latest agreement, Yang Ming operated a fleet of nearly 100 ships, with 59 owned and five 15,500 TEU vessels already on order for delivery in 2026. While the company has recently focused on acquiring modern secondhand neo-panamax vessels, this deal represents its first commitment to newbuilds since May 2023.