Taiwanese shipping company Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. has signed charter agreements with Japanese shipowner Shoei Kisen Kaisha, a subsidiary of Imabari Shipbuilding, for four 11,000 TEU containerships.
The signing ceremony was held in Hong Kong on April 10, 2019.
The four boxships have been ordered by Shoei Kisen Kaisha at Imabari yard, according to data provided by Asiasis.
As informed, the vessels are expected to be delivered in the first three quarters of 2022.
Yang Ming’s fleet optimization is part of the company’s strategy aimed at enhancing its mid to long-term operational efficiency and competitiveness.
“In addition to these four new 11,000 TEU containerships, Yang Ming had ordered another ten 11,000 TEU newbuildings through long-term charter agreements with Owners Costamare and Shoei Kisen since 2018, which will enable Yang Ming to have a total of fourteen 11,000 TEU newly-built full containerships during the years 2020 to 2022,” the company said in a statement.
These eco-type new containerships would gradually replace some of Yang Ming’s high-cost, older ships.
Referring to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) sulphur cap 2020 which will enter into force on January 1 next year, Yang Ming added:
“Every carrier has prepared accordingly to ensure a smooth transition in operation next year. All the newbuildings Yang Ming has ordered are designed in compliance with the IMO regulation with lower bunker consumption.”