Taiwanese carrier Yang Ming plans to expand its fleet by 30 per cent to 1.5 million TEU by 2030, reports London's Loadstar, citing LA's Index Box Market Intelligence.

The company currently operates 715,000 TEU and will place newbuilding orders to meet its target. The focus will be on dual-fuel vessels capable of running on green methanol.

Smaller containerships of 6,000 to 12,000 TEU remain the most popular in the shipbuilding market, accounting for the majority of orders. Demand is driven by the need for flexibility and efficiency on routes not served by ultra-large vessels.

In a related development, US President Donald Trump approved US$1 billion in subsidies for US shipbuilders. The move is seen as part of efforts to counter China's dominance in global shipbuilding.

Analysts note that shipyard capacity is constrained despite high ordering activity. This is expected to keep newbuilding prices firm and may delay some deliveries beyond 2030.