Thai liner operator Regional Container Lines (RCL) has ordered another pair of 7,000 TEU ships at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, two months after making an initial contract for two similar vessels at the Chinese yard.
Waigaoqiao announced that the newbuilding contract was signed through video-conferencing on 24 May and the vessels are expected to be delivered in late 2025. The earlier orders marked the first time that RCL had worked with Waigaoqiao.
Waigaoqiao said, “The successful cooperation between the two parties fully reflects the shipowner’s full affirmation of the leading position of China Shipbuilding Corporation and Waigaoqiao in the field of container ships of this class.”
RCL has also released its 2022 first quarter results, showing its revenue had more than doubled from 2021 Q1, reaching US$443.86 million, while the company’s net profit nearly trebled to US$246.69 million.
Martina Li
Asia Correspondent
