Monday, June 23, 2025
Home News RCL enters Neo-Panamax segment with 12,000TEU pair

RCL enters Neo-Panamax segment with 12,000TEU pair

Thai feeder operator Regional Container Lines (RCL) is moving into the Neo-Panamax sector after buying two 12,000TEU ships for US$115 million each.

Without disclosing the vessel names, RCL said in a filing to the Stock Exchange of Thailand that the vessels were purchased from Panama-incorporated Giant Line Inc, and that they will be delivered between 2022 fourth quarter and 2023 first quarter.

Vessel databases show that Giant Line is a special purpose vehicle company controlled by Japanese tonnage provider Kyosei Kisen.

It is not known if RCL will deploy the ships to its own services or charter the vessels to other operators. A spokesperson at the company told Container News that no deployment plans have been firmed up.

Since the start of the year, RCL has purchased six ships, joining the rush for tonnage amid the red-hot market.

For the first half of the year, RCL’s net profit rose 27-fold to US$190.51 million, citing surging demand for durable goods and medical supplies due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

“Tight shipping capacity and port congestion placed additional upward pressure on freight rates,” said RCL.

Martina Li
Asia Correspondent





Latest Posts

Strait of Hormuz tensions put global shipping and markets on edge

The weekend US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities have pushed the maritime community onto what one operator called maximum alert. ...

Latin America trade volumes increased in 1Q 2025

Latin America's containerized trade volumes increased by 5% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to provisional...

GXO appoints Patrick Kelleher as Chief Executive Officer

GXO Logistics has announced the appointment of Patrick Kelleher as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 19, 2025. Kelleher joins GXO with more than...

Louis Dreyfus Armateurs pays tribute to Philippe Louis-Dreyfus

 Louis Dreyfus Armateurs announces with deep regret the passing of Philippe Louis-Dreyfus on June 17, 2025, following a sudden illness. Philippe Louis-Dreyfus was a key...

Maersk suspends calls to Haifa amid rising regional tensions

Maersk has decided to temporarily suspend vessel calls to the Port of Haifa, Israel, as well as halt cargo acceptance for this destination. In light...
error: Content is protected !!