Yang Ming Marine Transportation announced that its new 15,500 TEU containership, the YM Willpower, successfully underwent its initial LNG bunkering operation at the Port of Shanghai. This milestone involved simultaneous operations (SIMOPS), where the vessel received approximately 2,000 metric tonnes of liquefied natural gas while simultaneously conducting cargo loading and unloading activities. This collaborative effort with Shanghai International Port (Group) and SIPG Energy Shanghai aims to enhance operational efficiency during port calls.
The YM Willpower, a dual-fuel vessel, was delivered earlier this year from Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea. The ability to refuel and handle cargo concurrently represents a significant advancement in port logistics, reducing turnaround times and optimizing vessel schedules.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this development signifies improved schedule reliability and potentially faster transit times for cargo moving through Shanghai on dual-fuel vessels. Reduced port stay durations mean less risk of delays and more predictable supply chain flows. As more carriers adopt dual-fuel vessels and ports enhance SIMOPS capabilities, forwarders can expect greater efficiency in their ocean freight operations, particularly for services utilizing LNG-powered ships.
