The Thai liner shipping company Regional Container Lines (RCL) is pressing ahead with the renewal of its fleet. The first three of a total of eight container ships ordered, each with a capacity of 4,488 TEU, have now been christened in China.
The “Anitta Bhum”, “Benyapar Bhum” and “Chantisa Bhum” were christened at CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding in Guangzhou. They are the first three vessels in a new-build programme comprising a total of eight ships commissioned by the shipping company from the Chinese shipyard.
The “Anitta Bhum” was delivered recently on the day of its christening. It is set to be deployed on the “Far East–Latin America Service” (AFL) between East Asia and Latin America. The delivery of the ‘Benyapar Bhum’ is scheduled for 19 October. It is then due to operate on the “Far East–Madras Service 2” (RFM2) between Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The “Chantisa Bhum” is due to follow on 20 November and will be deployed on the “South China Indonesia Service” (RCI02).
According to RCL, the newbuilds are equipped with various energy-saving systems and shore power connections. They are also prepared for a future conversion to dual-fuel propulsion using LNG, methanol or ammonia.
RCL is currently significantly expanding its fleet. In addition to the programme comprising eight vessels with a capacity of 4,488 TEU, the shipping company has, according to the latest reports, ordered four further container ships, each with a capacity of 3,100 TEU, from Huangpu Wenchong. The newbuilds belong to the shipyard’s “Honghu” series.
Founded in 1979, the shipping company focuses primarily on intra-Asian container transport. According to its own figures, the company currently operates 46 vessels with capacities ranging from 388 to 11,714 TEU.
