RCL celebrates naming ceremony of two new 2 TEUs vessels at Shanghai Waigaoqiao shipyard

Regional Container Lines Public Company Limited (RCL) is delighted to launch two new vessels with a naming ceremony on 3 September 2567, each of which has a capacity of 7,000TEUs. The grand naming ceremony was held at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipyard, China, where both vessels were built.

This comes just a week after the naming ceremony of two 12,000 TEUs megaships, Ussama Bhum and Varanya Bhum, in Japan on 27 August 2567, marking a significant moment for RCL as it strengthens its fleet and expands its services across the Asia Pacific region.

Hema Bhum (HEMMA BHUM) Which means "The Golden Land" The ship was honored by Ms. Ninthira Sophonpanich as the Sponsor Lady to name the ship, with Mr. Chartsiri Sophonpanich, President of Bangkok Bank, joining the ceremony to honor the occasion. The name of this ship has a deep cultural meaning, reflecting RCL's desire to create prosperity in the shipping business.

meanwhile Itthi Bhum ship (ITTHI BHUM) which means “Land of Success” Reflecting RCL's commitment to continuous success and excellence in the shipping sector, with Ms. Jarunee Chinwongworakul as the Sponsor Lady for the naming of the Itthi Bhumi ship.

Along with Mr. Wichit Chinwongworakul, Chairman of Chinwong Food Co., Ltd., honored to join the ceremony together with senior executives of RCL, Mr. Sumet Tanthuvanit, Director and Chairman of the Executive Committee, and Dr. Thawinchoke Tanthuvanit, Director and Managing Director, which emphasized the importance of this important event.

Dr. Thawinchok Thanthuwanit Speaking about the event, he said that the naming of HEMMA BHUM and ITTHI BHUM marks a new chapter for RCL. These two vessels are not only a great addition to our fleet but also symbolize our commitment to growth, innovation and excellence in every voyage we sail.

Both vessels will be put into service immediately, with RCL providing the Hema Bhumi to RCL customers, while RCL will lease the Itthi Bhumi to PIL under the name KOTA SYDNEY.

Going forward, with these two 7000 TEUs vessels joining the RCL fleet, the company is set to further enhance its operational capabilities, resulting in greater service efficiency and reliability for customers and partners. This expansion is in line with RCL’s strategic objectives for growth and excellence in maritime transport.

RCL has also signed a new build contract for two (2) new vessels of the same size (7000 TEUs) with the long-established Shanghai Waigaoqiao shipyard. These new orders will be equipped with the latest Energy Saving (ESD) equipment and the Dual Fuel Ready mark, fully equipped to meet the future clean propulsion requirements.

Interestingly, the delivery date, which is set for between 2569 and 2571, is perfectly in line with RCL’s fleet strengthening strategy.