Yang Ming Marine Orders Four New Bulk Carriers
Taiwan’s Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation has announced plans to enhance its fleet by ordering four new fuel-efficient Handymax bulk carriers. This decision, made during a board meeting on October 16, 2025, aims to bolster the company’s competitiveness and profitability in the bulk shipping market. The new vessels will support the replacement of aging ships while improving fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Strategic Fleet Modernization
Yang Ming’s subsidiary, Kuang Ming Shipping, will oversee the acquisition of these Handymax bulk carriers, which are designed to transport a variety of commodities, including coal, grain, and agricultural products. Currently, Kuang Ming operates a fleet that includes six Panamax bulk carriers and four Handymax bulk carriers, along with one long-term chartered Capesize vessel. The company is focused on modernizing its fleet and adopting high-efficiency vessel designs to enhance its core charter operations and overall performance.
The Handymax bulk carriers, which have a deadweight tonnage ranging from 45,000 to 69,999 dwt, are crucial for transporting both major and minor bulk cargoes. Yang Ming emphasized that the decision to order these vessels aligns with anticipated growth in the bulk shipping market. Additionally, the new ships will help replace older vessels, improve fuel efficiency, and comply with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decarbonization and emission-reduction requirements.
Yang Ming’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its broader strategy, which includes enhancing its eco-friendly containership fleet and improving global transportation services. The company also plans to accelerate its digital transformation to optimize logistics capacity and meet customer needs effectively. These advancements are expected to strengthen Yang Ming Group’s foundation for sustainable growth.
Recent Developments in Fleet Expansion
In addition to the Handymax bulk carriers, Yang Ming recently commissioned South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean to construct seven dual-fuel boxships with a capacity of 16,000 TEU, powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Notably, these vessels will be the first LNG dual-fuel container ships in Taiwan to feature ammonia fuel-ready specifications. This move reflects Yang Ming’s commitment to adopting innovative technologies in its fleet.
Furthermore, the company has placed two separate orders for a total of six 8,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel boxships in Japan. These strategic investments highlight Yang Ming’s dedication to modernizing its fleet and enhancing its operational capabilities in response to evolving market demands.
