Shipbroker MB Shipbrokers (formerly Maersk Broker) revealed that Thailand’s Regional Container Lines (RCL) has placed an additional order for two 4,300 TEU feeder containerships from China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s (CSSC) Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding, according to a report in Splash247.
The 2 new containerships, with a single ship cost of about $60 million and a total value of about $120 million (about RMB 713 million), are expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2027 and the first quarter of 2028, the sources said. RCL Group has ordered eight 4,300 TEU feeder containerships from Huangpu Wenchong.
The two parties signed the first batch of four 4,300 TEU feeder containerships on January 23 this year; the two option containerships were announced effective in May this year. The first four units are expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2027, followed by two option units to be delivered in November and December 2027.
The 4,300 TEU feeder containerships will feature a new design that allows for the use of conventional fuels, with a focus on green and sustainable development, and significantly lower fuel consumption, 30-40% higher than other ships; This containership can also utilize port power when berthing, helping to reduce carbon emissions during port operations. In addition, the containerships are designed to be adaptable and can be further modified in the future to support alternative fuels and green energy.
At present, CSSC Huangpu Wenchong has formed a batch production line of feeder containerships with specifications of 1,100 TEU, 1,500 TEU, 1,900 TEU, 2,700 TEU, 3,000 TEU, 3,400 TEU, etc. The 4300TEU containership is the largest containership undertaken by CSSC Huangpu Wenchong at present, marking that the shipyard has stepped up to a new level in the field of containership construction.
Established in 1979 and listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 1988, RCL Group is a traditional liner shipping company with a long history in Asia, providing liner services and container feeder services mainly in East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and the Indian Peninsula. According to Alphaliner’s data, RCL Group is ranked 26th globally and its fleet currently operates 35 containerships with a total deadweight of 78,854 tons, of which 14 are newbuildings.