TAIWAN’s Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation has announced the purchase of three 8,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel-ready containerships from Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.
These vessels, currently under construction by Imabari Shipbuilding, are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2029.
The acquisition is a key step in Yang Ming’s fleet optimisation plan, aiming to strengthen its global service network and reinforce its commitment to providing sustainable transportation services,
reports London’s Logistics Manager.
This purchase represents the first phase of Yang Ming’s ap proved plan to add up to thirteen 8,000-15,000 TEU class containerships.
The remaining acquisitions will follow internal procurement procedures to ensure mid- to long- term fleet stability and maintain services quality.
The new vessels will feature energy-efficient main engines, offering immediate energy savings and the flexibility to adopt alternative fuels in the future.
In response to evolving geo- politics, supply chain regrouping, and increasing demand for green services, Yang Ming continues to enhance its fleet competitiveness.
This involves maintaining existing tonnage, expanding business operations, and strengthening regional services to diversify its service portfolio.
The company is also committed to pursuing digitalisation, smart technologies, and energy efficiency transitions to build resilience against external challenges.
SGP secures 20-year contracts for four Saudi terminals
Saudi Global Ports Group (SGP) has signed four 20-year concession agreements, with the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) to operate multipurpose terminals at key ports along Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Coast.
The agreements cover King Abdulaziz Port Dammam (KAPD), Jubail Commercial Port (JCP), King Fahad Industrial Port Jubail (KFIP), and Ras Al-Khair Port (RAK).
Under the new agreements, SGP will invest over SAR 700 million ($187 million) to upgrade the terminals and acquire new equipment.
The company aims to integrate the new sites with its existing network in Dammam and Riyadh, transforming them into efficient, resilient logistics gateways to support national growth and upcoming mega projects.
Training and workforce development are central to the plan.
Supported by its technical partner PSA International, SGP will implement tailored training programs focused on safety, operations, and sustainability-drawing on PSA’s global expertise in managing multipurpose terminals.
Bakr Al Muhanna, Vice Chairman of SGP, said: “The agreement between SGP and Mawani is pivotal in driving economic diversification under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
“By integrating and modernising key terminals, SGP, together with its technical partner, PSA International, brings their expertise to enhance supply chain efficiency, support critical mega projects, and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub.”
Vincent Ng, Regional CEO of PSA International, added: “PSA is proud to be alongside Saudi Arabia’s growth journey for over 10 years.
“We are excited to continue to work alongside PIF, Mawani and other stakeholders in the Kingdom, supporting SGP with our global expertise and network as it expands its ecosystem to include capabilities that can bring new and differentiated value to the Kingdom’s ports and logistics sector.”
Recently, Mawani welcomed the launch of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)’s new Himalaya Express shipping service at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam and Jubail Commercial Port.
COSCO delivers China's first 16,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel ship
COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry Yangzhou has officially delivered China’s first 16,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel containership the COSCO SHIPPING YANGPU, on Changxing Island, Shanghai.
According to COSCO SHIPPING, this marks three key shipbuilding breakthroughs: the first order by a Chinese shipowner, the first delivery by a Chinese shipyard, and the first real-ship use of a domestic methanol engine.
The vessel measures 366 metres long and 51 metres wide, with a capacity of 16,136 TEUs.
It carries an 11,000 cubic metre methanol storage tank, enabling a non-stop voyage from the Far East to the US East Coast.
The ship also features a homegrown methanol dual-fuel engine, a methanol boiler, and the first methanol generator set on a Chinese containership, all developed by China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).
Its dual-fuel system allows switching between fuels based on voyage requirements, reportedly meeting top international standards for flexibility and stability.
The ship’s Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) meets IMO Phase III standards, at 54.4 percent below the baseline.
When using green methanol, annual CO2 emissions may be reduced by 120,000 tonnes, roughly equal to planting 6.7 million trees.
Safety systems include a triangular-array methanol tank and freshwater purging.
The COSCO SHIPPING YANGPU further incorporates digital intelligence.
Its streamlined hull, efficient propellers, and twisted rudders reduce resistance.
A high-capacity permanent magnet shaft generator improves the engine room environment and cuts maintenance.
Its Advanced Control and, Monitoring System (ACMS) offers real-time route optimisation equipment monitoring, and safety alerts.
COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry Yangzhou applied a lean management system to ensure efficient delivery of the vessel.
The “methanol dual-fuel + intelligent shipping” model is expected to become a significant reference for the future of green, low- carbon, and smart shipping, according to COSCO SHIPPING.
Also, this week, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions announced it would deliver the cargo handling and fuel supply systems for four 88,000 cubic metres (cbm) Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs) under construction at COSCO Shipping (Qidong Offshore.
Port of Chattogram proposes a tariff increase of 70 to 100 percent
BANGLADESH’s Chattogram Port Authority is considering a steep 70 percent to 100 percent increase in cargo handling tariffs a move that risks sending shockwaves through an already strained economy.
At a meeting early this month at the Ministry of Shipping officials debated the long-pending tariff adjustment, with the shipping tariffs adviser pushing for a final decision by the month’s end.
Stakeholders have been asked to submit written feedback ahead of a decisive meeting later in June, according to port officials, reports The Business Standard.
Though the hike remains under discussion, its potential scale has alarmed importers, exporters, and economists, who warn it could drive up prices for essentials – from food to manufactured goods deepening consumer distress.
Nasir Uddin, the port’s chief personnel officer and spokesperson, defended the proposal, calling it overdue. “Tariffs haven’t been revised since 1986. This increase will help cover rising operational costs and fund service improvements,” he said.
The revision spans nearly 50 services, including port dues, berthing fees, forklift charges, and utility costs. While five services saw minor updates in FY08, the rest have remained frozen for decades.
Business leaders, however, call the move ill timed.
Nurul Qayyum Khan, president of the Bangladesh Inland Container Depot Association, said a modest 15 percent hike would be more reasonable.
“Businesses are already reeling from currency depreciation, freight costs, and weak demand,” he warned. “A drastic increase could push many to the brink.”
Exporters, particularly in the garment sector (which accounts of over 80 percent for Bangladesh’s exports), fear losing competitiveness.
Belayet Hossain, a former BGMEA director, urged a phased increase: “A 10 percent to 20 percent rise is manageable.
Anything more will hurt at both ends – raw material imports and finished goods exports.”
Pacific International names its newest dual-fuel containership
SINGAPORE’s Pacific International Lines (PIL) has named its newest container vessel in a ceremony at the PSA Terminal in Singapore, reports Melbourne’s Baird Maritime.
Kota Ocean is the sixth LNG dual-fuel vessel in the PIL fleet as well as the second in a series of four 8,200-TEU ships ordered by the company. The series lead ship Kota Oasis was handed over in early May.
Built by China’s Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, the four vessels will form part of PIL’s long-term fleet renewal plan.
Besides being LNG-powered, Kota Ocean is capable of using bio methane fuels and is also equipped with WinGD’s XDF engine with intelligent control by exhaust recycling to reduce methane emissions.
The vessel also features a full-spade type rudder with twisted leading edge, a rudder bulb, a preswirl stator as well as an optimised hydrodynamic hull form with anti-fouling coatings.
PIL said the ship incorporates digitalisation such as Al and internet of things to increase the automation of tasks as well as operational efficiency and safety.
These would enable better monitoring and planning of its operations and routes.
Maersk's 14th methanol-fuelled box ship is named Berlin Maersk
DANISH shipping giant AP Moller-Maersk (Maersk) has named Berlin Maersk, the first in a
new series of 17,480 TEU dual-fuel methanol container vessels.
The vessel is the 14th dual- fuel new build to enter the Maersk fleet and features a wider beam
Ane Maersk class, allowing for greater container capacity. It is now reportedly the large lin Maersk class, we continue to
The naming ceremony took place on June 18 at Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in Ulsan, South Korea, reports London’s Port Technology International.
The Berlin Maersk is set to begin service on July 7, calling first at Shanghai on Maersk’s AE3 route linking East Asia with Northern Europe.
Five additional ships in the class will follow, all built by HHI and scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025.
Anda Cristescu, head of chartering & newbuilding at Maersk, said: “With the launch of the Berlin Maersk class, we continue to build an ocean toolkit adaptable to multiple fuel pathways. Fleet renewal is essential for maintaining our competitive edge and is central to our decarbonisation strategy.”
Ole Graa Jakobsen, head of fleet technology at Maersk, added:
“Our new Berlin Maersk class builds on the foundation laid by Laura Maersk and the Ane Maersk class, setting a new industry benchmark in efficiency and innovation.”
Last month, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd launched a new transpacific service, TP9, under the Gemini Cooperation.
955,728 TEU were handled by Ecuador’s DP World Posorja in 2024
DP World Posorja has emerged as Ecuador’s top-performing port, achieving a record throughput of 955,728 TEU in 2024, which represented an 87 percent increase in volumes compared to 2023.
The port has risen to the top spot in Ecuador after five years of operation, reports UK’s Sea trade Maritime News.
Last year saw the addition of three new Maersk services to the port underlining its prominence in
global supply chains and powering the port’s throughput uplift.
To meet growing demand and the need to accommodate larger vessels, DP World Posorja has commenced works to expand its berth capacity.
By 2026, the berth length will be extended from 462.5 metres to 700 metres for the simultaneous handling of two post-panamax vessels at full capacity. On completion of the expansion, capacity will reach 1.4 million TEU per year.
“This project is a tangible example of how investment in infrastructure, technology, and innovation can enhance the country’s connectivity and continue positioning Posorja as a strategic shipping point in the region and around the world. We are proud to be an engine of development that boosts the competitiveness of Ecuadorian products with direct shipping services to global markets,” said Carlos Merino, CEO of DP World Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia.
As part of this strategy, the terminal will add state-of-the-art port equipment including two gantry cranes, three rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes, and other modern equipment, to increase its operational efficiency and generate greater flexibility for products critical to the country’s trade balance.
DP World is making a 100 percent private investment of US$140 million in the expansion and celebrated
with a groundbreaking ceremony earlier, this year.
Fleet expansion speeds up at Ningbo Ocean Shipping
CHINESE Container Shipping ship Company Ningbo Ocean Shipping Co (NBOSCO) has set out to further expand its containership fleet with an investment in four 4,300 TEU newbuilding.
The Shanghai-listed subsidiary of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port Group has lined up US$278 million for the quartet, with the shipyard yet to be selected through a bidding process.
The move comes hot on the heels of four 2,700 TEU ships booked at Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding at about $48 million each, with deliveries expected in 2027.
NBOSCO ranks 24th on Alphaliner’s list of top container carriers with 87 ships and more than 10 new builds on order, reports Singapore’s Splash 247.