Yang Ming has said its carbon emissions per TEU/kilometre have dropped by 51% since 2008 and that it has reached IMO sustainability targets 11 years ahead of schedule.
In a statement, the Japanese carrier said it had “fulfilled its promise” of ten years ago to cut emissions and build and environmentally-friendly fleet by exceeding the target of a 40% reduction by 2030.
It is still aiming to cut emissions further and is committed to reaching the IMO target of a 70% compared to 2008 figures.
To achieve the targets, Yang Ming said it has formulated several long-term strategies, including implementing 12 vessel modification and optimization projects.
It is also accelerating the vessel renewal plan and will take ships over 20 years of age out of operation and add 10 2,800 TEU, 20 14,000 TEU and 14 11,000 TEU class eco-friendly smart vessels to its fleet.
In addition, Yang Ming has cooperated with weather service provider Weathernews Inc. (WNI) to build a monitoring system to manage fuel consumption and reduce green house gas emissions, and further evaluate the possibility of developing duel-fuel engine such as LNG or other engines that can perform with carbon-neutral alternative fuels.
Yang Ming has also ensured an early transition to use low sulfur fuel oil at Kaohsiung port and Shenzhen port in 2018.
In the fourth quarter of 2019, Yang Ming’s fleet has switched to very-low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) with sulphur content lower than 0.5% and reduced sulphur oxide emission by 80% compared to traditional heavy fuel oil.
Furthermore, Yang Ming has actively participated in vessel speed reduction programs initiated by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Taiwan International Ports Corporation, LTD to well protect the marine ecology.
