Taiwanese shipping firm Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (Yang Ming) on Thursday (26 February) said the company’s first 15,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel vessel, YM Willpower, has completed its first bunkering operation in Singapore.
In 2026, Yang Ming will progressively introduce newly built 15,500 TEU class container vessels primarily fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) into its operating fleet.
The lead vessel, YM Willpower, completed partial LNG bunkering at the shipyard prior to delivery and was officially deployed on 8 February into Yang Ming’s Far East–Mediterranean MD2 service.
On February 26, through close collaboration with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and energy supplier Shell Eastern Trading (Pte) Ltd. (Shell), YM Willpower successfully bunkered around 3,500 metric tonnes (mt) of LNG in Singapore. The LNG supplied will serve as the vessel’s primary fuel for the entire voyage.
“The inaugural LNG bunkering operation was conducted at the port anchorage area. Through close liaison with MPA and Shell, YM Willpower proceeded directly to berth upon completion of bunkering to commence efficient container loading and discharging operations, and is expected to depart at full load,” the company said.
As additional 15,500 TEU class LNG dual-fuel vessels are delivered and phased into service, the adoption of LNG fuel is expected to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by approximately 20% compared to conventional marine fuel. In addition, LNG significantly lowers emissions of sulphur oxides (SOx) by approximately 99% and particulate matter by approximately 85%.
Alongside the continued installation of energy-saving equipment on conventionally fuelled vessels and the partial adoption of sustainable biofuels, Yang Ming has launched its green transportation solution, YM ECO Sea.
Under this initiative, the verified CO₂ emission reductions achieved through the use of alternative fuels in place of conventional marine fuels are quantified and allocated to participating customers for use in their transportation-related emissions accounting and decarbonisation disclosures.
The programme aligns with the internationally recognised Book and Claim mechanism, with carbon accounting methodologies in compliance with EU RED II requirements and the GLEC Framework. This enables customers to reduce Scope 3 emissions within their supply chains and supports global partners in progressing toward their net-zero objectives through Yang Ming’s professional and sustainable transport services.
Looking ahead, Yang Ming will continue to implement diversified alternative fuel strategies and optimise fleet deployment, complemented by vessel hardware and software upgrades as well as digital applications of vessel data.
Photo credit: Yang Ming
Published: 27 February, 2026
