Thai intra-Asia carrier Regional Container Lines (RCL) has purchased its largest ever ship in what appears to be its maiden second-hand vessel acquisition.
[s2If is_user_logged_in()]In a filing to the Stock Exchange of Thailand, RCL said that its Singapore-registered subsidiary, Regional Container Lines Pte Ltd, had bought the 2007-built 6,310TEU APL Norway from Japanese tonnage provider Shoei Kisen Kaisha for THB940.71 million (US$31.2 million).
The APL Norway, which has been dry-docked, had been on a long-term time-charter to CMA CGM unit APL since the vessel was built by Koyo Dockyard.
Prior to purchasing APL Norway, the largest ships in RCL’s fleet are the 2,732TEU Racha Bhum and Sattha Bhum. RCL was known to charter ships of up to 8,000TEU for its liner network.
VesselsValue indicates that it is the first time in RCL’s history that it has turned to the second-hand market, as all the company’s 38 other ships were commissioned as newbuildings.
Alphaliner noted that RCL is among the many liner operators that have bought second-hand vessels amid rising charter costs.
The container shipping consultancy said, “This trend is expected to continue, especially in a context of reasonably-priced second-hand assets. By contrast, charterers are increasingly struggling to find the tonnage they need to cover their positions, opting in some cases to purchase vessels rather than chartering them.”
Martina Li
Asia Correspondent
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