SHANGHAI: Regional Container Lines Public Company Limited (RCL) held a naming ceremony for two of its latest vessels, KITIYA BHUM and LAKANA BHUM, on November 10, 2026, in Shanghai, China. The ceremonies mark another milestone in the Company’s ongoing fleet expansion and investment in modern, high-capacity vessels to strengthen its shipping network.
The ceremonies were attended by RCL’s senior leadership, including Mr. Sumate Tanthuwanit, Chairman of the Executive Committee; Dr. Twinchok Tanthuwanit, President of RCL, alongside Ms. Tachaphorn Suntrajarn, Consul-General of Thailand in Shanghai, prominent industry leaders, and other distinguished guests.
KITIYA BHUM, meaning “Charming Land,” was christened by sponsor lady Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wattana Watanapa, M.D., Ph.D., Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, accompanied by Emeritus Prof. Dr. Prasit Watanapa, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President of the Medical Council of Thailand and Chairman of the Technology and Innovation for Life Sciences, the National Agency. The naming ceremony took place at HantongWING Shipyard.
LAKANA BHUM, meaning “Gorgeous Land,” was christened by sponsor lady Mrs. Orachorn Eamsureya, accompanied by, Mr. Arun Eamsureya, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Thai-Chinese Leadership Institute. The ceremony was held at Rongsheng Shipyard.
Both vessels are built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (SWS). Each has a capacity of 7,000 TEU, and is designed to support efficient, high-capacity container transportation. Their specifications and technologies include Energy Saving Devices (ESD), an Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), and Alternative Maritime Power (AMP), reflecting RCL’s continued focus on operational efficiency and environmental performance.
Both vessels are scheduled for delivery in January 2027 and are planned for deployment on the RCL Korea Straits-India Service 2 (RKI2). The service connects key ports across Korea, China, Malaysia, India, and Pakistan, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting trade flows between Northeast Asia and the Indian Subcontinent.
The addition of KITIYA BHUM and LAKANA BHUM underscores RCL’s long-term fleet rejuvenation strategy and continued investment in vessels designed to meet evolving sustainable requirements. Through these investments, the Company aims to strengthen its service capabilities, enhance operational efficiency, and support more sustainable maritime transportation across Asia and beyond.
