RCL boosts boxship orderbook

Thailand’s Regional Carrier Lines (RCL) is bolstering its fleet with four additional containership newbuildings in China.

The company revealed in a stock exchange filing that it will be adding a pair of 11,000 teu and 4,400 teu each in 2027 and 2028.

The 11,000 teu series are costing up to $125m per ship, while the 4,400 teu units are valued at $59.7m each.

RCL, which currently has ships booked for construction at Shanghai Waigaoqiao and Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding, did not disclose where the latest units will be built, but said the contracts have been signed with “trusted and well-known shipyards”.

The company currently stands 20th on Alphaliner’s list of largest carriers, with 28 owned ships in its fleet totaling 86,400 teu, and now 17 newbuilds in its orderbook, which will more than double its carrying capacity when delivered.

“The additional orders of 11,000 teu and 4,400 teus vessels align with the company’s strategy to enhance its fleet, expand operations into new markets, and strengthen its existing network. This initiative not only enhances operational efficiency but also supports the long-term time charter-out market, which is expected to remain in high demand,” RCL said in a release.