RCL Names First Alternative-Fuel-Ready Boxships | Mariner News

Regional Container Lines (RCL) has officially named the first three of eight new 4,488-TEU container ships designed for future conversion to alternative marine fuels. The naming ceremony in Guangzhou, China, marks a significant step in the Thai carrier’s strategic fleet renewal and decarbonization efforts.

The vessels, named Anitta Bhum, Benyapar Bhum, and Chantisa Bhum, are engineered with critical flexibility for future fuel adoption. Their design includes readiness for LNG, methanol, and ammonia, offering RCL a crucial hedge against evolving alternative fuel infrastructure and regulatory landscapes.

Beyond their multi-fuel readiness, the newbuilds feature advanced energy-saving devices, alternative maritime power (AMP) capabilities, and systems specifically designed to reduce SOx and NOx emissions. This integrated approach addresses both operational efficiency and environmental compliance.

These initial three vessels were named at CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding’s Longxue plant. The Anitta Bhum is slated for operation on RCL’s Far East–Latin America Service, while the Benyapar Bhum is designated for the Far East-Madras Service 2, and the Chantisa Bhum for the South China-Indonesia Service.

The remaining five ships from the eight-vessel order will progressively join RCL’s fleet, reinforcing the company’s broader, longer-term fleet renewal strategy.