SIMIC

The new ship, YM Tiptop, is expected to further enhance Yang Ming's operating competitiveness, while the vessel will be deployed to the company's Far East - South America service (SA3), which connects Asia with East coast of South America, reports Container News.

The port rotation of SA3 is Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian, Hong Kong, Singapore, Rio de Janeiro, Santos, Paranagua, Navegantes, Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Rio Grande, Navegantes, Paranagua, Santos, Singapore, Hong Kong and returning to Shanghai.

Yang Ming's has ordered a total of fourteen 11,000 TEU new container ships through long-term charter agreements with ship owners, with YM Tiptop being the fifth to be delivered in the series.

The new box ship has a nominal capacity of 12,690 TEU and is equipped with 1,000 plugs for reefer containers. With a length of 332.2 metres, a width of 48.2 metres, a draft of 16 metres, these vessels are designed to cruise at a speed up to 23 knots.

Additionally, the container ships incorporate various environmental features including scrubbers, water ballast treatment plant and alternative marine power system, according to the carrier's announcement.

YM Tiptop, like all the ships of the series, adopts the twin-island design to increase loading capacity and navigational visibility to ensure more efficiency and safety. The ship hull form optimisation will further increase energy saving and reduce overall emissions.

In addition, the ships are designed with shorter length and beam, which makes them easier to maneuver during berthing or departure, according to the container line, which said that "the new dimensions enable these ships to call at major ports worldwide and pass through new Panama Canal with no restriction, and facilitate greater flexibility in vessel deployment."

Yang Ming started taking delivery of these new vessels in 2020 and noted that these newbulidings will lower the average age of its global fleet, reduce unit cost and achieve energy efficiency.

"These ships will accelerate fleet optimisation to proactively cope with the challenges and stricter environmental regulations faced by the fast-changing shipping industry," added the company.