Yang Ming Marine Transport has named YM Weight, the fourth of five 15,500 TEU-class LNG dual-fuel containerships being built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI).
The naming ceremony took place on 17 September at the HD HHI shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea. Following delivery, YM Weight will be deployed on Yang Ming’s Asia–West Mediterranean MS2 service.
Fourth LNG dual-fuel vessel joins Yang Ming fleet
YM Weight has a capacity of approximately 15,600 TEUs. The vessel is 364.97 metres long and 51 metres wide, and is powered by a high-pressure dual-fuel engine capable of using LNG or low-sulphur fuel oil.
In addition to its dual-fuel propulsion system, the containership is equipped with several energy-saving technologies. It also features integrated navigation, equipment monitoring and maritime satellite systems.
The vessel is jointly classed by CR Classification Society and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). Following underwater noise measurements, it received separate noise-related notations from both classification societies.
Yang Ming said these measures are designed to limit the impact of vessel operations on marine life.
Yang Ming prepares crews for LNG operations
The addition of YM Weight comes as Yang Ming continues to train seafarers for its growing alternative-fuel fleet.
So far, 148 Yang Ming officers have completed advanced IGF Code training. They will continue with onboard training aboard LNG-fuelled vessels, including practical experience with alternative-fuel bunkering.
Captain Ming-Yeong Pan will serve as the delivery captain of YM Weight. According to Yang Ming, he was the first seafarer in Taiwan to receive an Advanced Training Certificate under the IGF Code from the country’s Maritime and Port Bureau.
YM Weight to operate on MS2 service
Yang Ming will directly manage and operate YM Weight on its MS2 service between Asia and the West Mediterranean.
The announced rotation is Pusan – Shanghai – Ningbo – Kaohsiung – Shekou – Singapore – Cape of Good Hope – Tangier – Valencia – Barcelona – Genoa – La Spezia – Fos – Cape of Good Hope – Singapore – Laem Chabang – Cai Mep – Yantian – Pusan – Long Beach – Oakland – Pusan.
The delivery leaves one more vessel to join Yang Ming from the five-ship LNG dual-fuel series being built by HD HHI.
