Singapore feeder operator orders new pair from China

Singapore-based feeder operator Regional Container Lines (RCL) has ordered two 1,850 TEU feeder boxships from Chinese shipbuilder Jiangsu Yangzijiang valued at $51 million. These high spec newbuildings will be the first RCL vessels to be built in China and will have a service speed of 23 knots. The ships represent the resale of options taken by Germany’s Rickmers Group and are slated for delivery in mid and late 2005. RCL already has two 2,588 TEU and two 2,378 TEU ships on order at Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries also for delivery next year.