RCL begins eight-ship fleet expansion with 4,488-TEU vessels

It will serve routes linking Asia with Latin America and the Indian subcontinent.

Thailand’s Regional Container Lines Public Company Limited (RCL) has named the first three vessels under its eight-ship 4,488-twenty foot equivalent unit fleet expansion project with China’s CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.

The vessels—ANITTA BHUM, BENYAPAR BHUM, and CHANTISA BHUM—were named on 24 September at CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding’s Longxue Plant in Guangzhou, China.

The ships are equipped with energy-saving devices and systems designed to improve operational efficiency and reduce sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions.

They also have Alternative Maritime Power capabilities, allowing them to connect to shore-side electricity whilst in port.

The vessels are designed to be liquefied natural gas, methanol, and ammonia dual-fuel ready.

ANITTA BHUM was delivered on 24 September and will enter RCL’s Far East–Latin America Service, linking ports in East Asia with Latin America.

BENYAPAR BHUM is scheduled for delivery on 19 October and will operate on the Far East–Madras Service 2, serving Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

CHANTISA BHUM is scheduled for delivery on 20 November and will operate on the South China–Indonesia Service, linking South China with Southeast Asia.

RCL said the deliveries form part of its long-term fleet enhancement strategy and will strengthen its service capabilities across Asia and beyond.