Thai intra-Asia carrier Regional Container Lines has joined its larger peers in second-hand vessel acquisitions, with the purchase of up to three vessels to bolster its owned fleet.
[s2If is_user_logged_in()]The carrier said in filings to the Thai Stock Exchange on 10 March that it has purchased the 2006-built 5,888TEU OOCL Antwerp from Japanese tonnage provider Shoei Kisen Kaisha as well as the 1996-built 1,094TEU Ratana Thida.
OOCL Antwerp, which is currently on long-term charter to COSCO unit Orient Overseas Container Lines was acquired for THB1.03 billion (US$33.3 million). While the 1996-built 1,094TEU Ratana Thida was bought for US$2.45 million, close to the vessel’s scrap value. The company originally owned the ship before selling it to Tian Asia, a Thai entity, on leaseback terms in 2015.
RCL, whose fleet is comprised of commissioned newbuildings, turned to the second-hand market for the first time in February, when it bought the APL Norway, also from Shoei Kisen Kaisha.
At 6,310TEU, APL Norway is RCL’s largest vessel, but the company is understood to be negotiating to buy a larger ship, the 2011-built 8,586TEU Mediterranean Bridge, currently chartered to CMA CGM.
Brokers indicated that South Korean ship owner Sinokor Merchant Marine has sold Mediterranean Bridge to RCL for US$50 million, but the Thai operator has not confirmed the transaction.
RCL like many liner operators, including MSC, Wan Hai and TS Lines, that have bought second-hand vessels amid rising charter costs.
Martina Li
Asia Correspondent
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