Regional Container Lines (RCL) has marked another milestone in its fleet expansion programme with the naming ceremony of two new 7,000-TEU container vessels, KITIYA BHUM and LAKANA BHUM, held in Shanghai, China, on November 10, 2026.
The ceremonies were attended by RCL Chairman of the Executive Committee Sumate Tanthuwanit, RCL President Dr. Twinchok Tanthuwanit, and Thailand’s Consul-General in Shanghai, Tachaphorn Suntrajarn, along with senior industry representatives and distinguished guests.
KITIYA BHUM, meaning “Charming Land”, was christened by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wattana Watanapa of the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, at HantongWING Shipyard. LAKANA BHUM, meaning “Gorgeous Land”, was christened by Mrs. Orachorn Eamsureya at Rongsheng Shipyard.
Both vessels are built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. (SWS), with an individual capacity of 7,000 TEUs. They incorporate several advanced technologies aimed at improving fuel efficiency, operational performance and environmental compliance.
Their equipment includes Energy Saving Devices (ESD), an Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology and Alternative Maritime Power (AMP), enabling shore-side electricity connectivity while alongside at equipped ports.
Deployment on India-linked service
Both vessels are scheduled for delivery in January 2027 and will be deployed on RCL’s Korea Straits-India Service 2 (RKI2).
The service connects major ports in South Korea, China, Malaysia, India and Pakistan, providing an important shipping link between Northeast Asia and the Indian Subcontinent.
The induction of the two vessels will strengthen RCL’s capacity on this trade corridor, enhance service capabilities and support growing regional container trade.
The latest additions form part of RCL’s long-term fleet renewal and expansion strategy, reflecting the company’s continued investment in modern, high-capacity vessels with improved operational efficiency and environmental performance.