Asian ship manager takes charge of two LNG dual-fuel container vessels

February 11, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic

Synergy Marine Group, a Singapore-based company that manages over 700 vessels for shipowners worldwide, has become the technical manager of two newly delivered 15,500 TEU liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel container vessels owned by Taiwan-based Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation.

Jesper Kristensen, Group CEO, and Ajay Chaudhry, Co-CEO – Ship Management, Synergy Marine Group, pictured with the Synergy ship staff of YM Willpower during the vessel’s naming ceremony in Korea; Source: Synergy Marine Group — Jesper Kristensen, Group CEO, and Ajay Chaudhry, Co-CEO – Ship Management of Synergy Marine Group, pictured with the Synergy ship staff of YM Willpower during the vessel’s naming ceremony in Korea; Source: Synergy Marine Group

Built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in South Korea, YM Willpower and YM Worthiness sister vessels, which form part of Yang Ming’s fleet modernisation program, are now under Synergy Marine’s management and will be supported by Indian shore teams and Indian seafarers trained in LNG dual-fuel operations, with round-the-clock operational oversight from India.

The scope of work includes crewing, maintenance, safety management systems and performance monitoring, with a clear focus on safe fuel handling and regulatory compliance. These ships are equipped with high-pressure LNG dual-fuel engines, which are perceived to enable lower-emission operations while maintaining service reliability.

Jesper Kristensen, CEO of Synergy Marine Group, highlighted: “India’s role in global shipping today extends well beyond crewing. The combination of skilled seafarers, strong shore-based oversight and growing technical infrastructure is supporting some of the most advanced vessels in service. For us, this reflects how India’s maritime capability has evolved and why it will continue to play a meaningful role in global ship management.”

YM Willpower begun its inaugural voyage on February 8, 2026, joining Yang Ming’s MD2 service connecting Asia and the Mediterranean. The vessels are managed in accordance with the International Safety Management Code under a Document of Compliance held by Synergy Onyx in Pune.

Each vessel is equipped with high-pressure LNG dual-fuel main engines, enabling operation on LNG as well as conventional marine fuel. Aside from dual-fuel propulsion, the vessels are described to incorporate energy-efficient hull forms and advanced automation and monitoring systems, supporting the Taiwan-based firm’s focus on operational efficiency and environmental performance.

Ajay Chaudhry, Co-CEO – Ship Management of Synergy Marine Group, commented: “Managing LNG dual-fuel container vessels requires preparation, technical competence and sound judgement. India is strengthening its capabilities across training, systems and oversight to support modern fleets.

“As the sector looks ahead over the coming decades, including India’s broader Amrit Kaal horizon, these strengths across people and infrastructure will remain important to global shipping.”

With more than 70% of its 28,000 seagoing workforce and nearly 85% of its 3,000 shore-based employees being Indian nationals, Synergy Marine Group is seen as the largest third-party manager of Indian-flagged vessels and its maritime training infrastructure includes Centres of Excellence in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, supporting technical development and operational readiness across sea and shore roles.

The addition of these two vessels is deemed to strengthen the firm’s presence in alternative-fuel vessel management, while aligning with Yang Ming’s measured approach to modernising its container fleet.