Regional Container Lines (RCL) expands shipping routes with the launch of a new container ship named Nattha Bhum.
The new vessel is valued at more than US$27.25 million and is expected to support RCL’s plans for sustainable income generation in the future.
Twinchok Tanthuwanit, president of RCL, commented that the company aims to further expand its services in the regions with high growth potential, both in Asia such as in India as well as in the Middle East and Africa.
RCL said it is also preparing to invest in new vessels to replace its older fleet, increase its fleet’s capacity to expand its service network, improve revenue growth and sustainability, and focus on environmental conservation and pollution reduction.
RCL recently had a naming ceremony for its latest vessel. The ship’s name, Nattha Bhum, means “Land of the Philosophers”. The vessel is 172 meters long and 27.5 meters wide, with a capacity of 1,930 TEUs.
Nattha Bhum is a Bangkok Max carrier, which is the largest size permitted to enter Thailand’s Bangkok Port on the Chao Phraya River.
It also has a modern design that is capable to accommodate more than 40 high cube containers and increase the potential of large machinery. Reducing the weight of the ship’s hull has given the benefit of lower fuel consumption at the same speed and distance.
Therefore, the amount of Co2 emissions (Green House Effect) is reduced. There is an exhaust filter installed in order to help reduce the amount of sulfur the vessel emits into the atmosphere from 3.5% to less than 0.5% in accordance with the company’s ESG and sustainability policies.