New Ships to Feature Ammonia Fuel Ready (AFR) Specifications and Innovative LNG Tank Design, Delivering 2028-2029
Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (Yang Ming) signed a shipbuilding contract on September 16 with Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd. (Hanwha Ocean) for seven 16,000 TEU class LNG dual-fuel container vessels. The contract, signed by Mr. Chuck Tsai, Chairman of Yang Ming, and Mr. Charles Kim, CEO of Hanwha Ocean, marks a significant milestone in Yang Ming’s fleet optimization and low-carbon transportation strategy. The vessels are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2029.
Pioneering Ammonia-Ready Design
These newbuildings, each with a capacity of 15,880 TEU, will be the first LNG dual-fuel container vessels in Taiwan to feature Ammonia Fuel Ready (AFR) specifications. This design, which has been granted the “Ammonia Fuel Ready Level 1C” notation by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), allows for future conversion to ammonia dual-fuel propulsion. This feature ensures both high operational efficiency and necessary flexibility in alternative fuel adoption during the decarbonization transition.
The vessels will also be equipped with the world’s first Type-B LNG fuel tank with a 1.0 bar design pressure, developed under a Joint Development Project between Hanwha Ocean and ABS. This innovation enhances the safety and efficiency of LNG operations compared to the conventional 0.7 bar design, while supporting compliance with future shore-power regulations.
Advancing the Green Fleet
LNG is recognized as one of the most mature and practical alternative fuels, capable of reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by approximately 20%.
With the addition of these seven ships, Yang Ming’s total fleet of LNG dual-fuel vessels will reach twelve, including five 15,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessels scheduled for delivery starting in 2026. This combined fleet will significantly increase the proportion of green-energy ships in Yang Ming’s operations.
By enabling ammonia adoption, Yang Ming is positioning itself to comply with future international GHG regulations, as ammonia is emerging as a promising next-generation marine fuel with zero CO₂ emissions during combustion. Yang Ming will continue to phase out older vessels and advance diversified clean energy solutions to strengthen its sustainability strategies and enhance global competitiveness.
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