Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding begins construction on four 11,000-TEU vessels for RCL Group, enhancing fleet efficiency and environmental compliance.
Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS), a unit of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, has commenced the construction of the last four 11,000-TEU ships ordered by Thailand's RCL Group in April 2025, reports Melbourne's Baird Maritime.
The four large ships are scheduled for delivery in 2027, while two 4,400-TEU vessels currently under construction at SWS are expected to follow in 2028. The company is expanding its fleet with additional feeder ships to strengthen regional services.
RCL is also set to take delivery of two 4,300-TEU feeder vessels between 2027 and 2028. These ships, to be built by China's Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding, will feature engines that can be modified to run on low-emission alternative fuels.
The 11,000-TEU ships under construction at SWS will be equipped with flexible route planning capabilities and energy conservation features. They are designed to meet IMO Tier III NOx emissions rules and EEDI Phase III standards, underscoring RCL's focus on efficiency and environmental compliance.
