Regional Container Lines orders two 9,200 TEU containerships for $213 million, enhancing fleet capacity with deliveries in 2030 and 2031.
Thailand-based Regional Container Lines (RCL) has placed an order for two 9,200 TEU containerships at a combined cost of $213 million, with deliveries scheduled for 2030 and 2031. This order forms part of RCL's latest capacity expansion program and reflects the broader trend among regional carriers to accelerate fleet renewal. The shipyard selected to construct the two 9,200 TEU vessels has not been disclosed.
Information released in RCL's Q3 2026 financial results reveals that the carrier has ordered a total of 12 newbuildings, comprising four 1,900 TEU, six 3,100 TEU, and two 9,200 TEU containerships. The range of vessel sizes - spanning feeder, intermediate, and larger segments - signals RCL's intent to strengthen its operational flexibility across multiple trade lane categories through a diversified capacity mix.
In terms of shipyard partnerships, RCL announced on 24 September a shipbuilding contract with Huangpu Wenchong for four 3,100 TEU containerships in the 'Honghu' series. Combined with its more recent orders, RCL's total newbuilding count at Huangpu Wenchong now stands at 16 vessels, including eight 4,488 TEU, four 1,900 TEU, and four 3,100 TEU containerships, establishing the Chinese yard as one of RCL's principal sources of tonnage under construction.
Earlier, in November 2025, RCL signed a contract valued at KRW 435.3 billion (approximately $299 million) with South Korea's HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for two 14,000 TEU containerships. The breadth of RCL's orderbook - extending from feeder vessels to 14,000 TEU mainline ships - reflects the carrier's pursuit of a more balanced capacity structure across both regional and deep-sea trade lanes.
According to the latest Alphaliner data, RCL ranks 23rd among global container carriers, operating a fleet of 35 containerships with a combined capacity of 102,277 TEU, of which 28 vessels are owned and seven are chartered. Set against its existing fleet, RCL's orderbook of 32 vessels totaling 167,266 TEU represents 163.5% of current operated capacity - a ratio that stands out among regional carriers and underscores the scale of the company's fleet expansion ambitions. These investments position RCL to reinforce its long-term competitiveness and establish the capacity foundation required for sustainable growth. Delivery schedules, trade lane deployment, and shipyard construction arrangements remain subject to formal company announcements.
