Regional Container Lines revamping three services

RCL and Ocean Network Express (ONE) are revamping the Thailand – Indonesia services RTI 1 and RTI 2 with larger vessels. For RTI 1 RCL will deploy the 2,800 teu Racha Bhum with a second vessel deployed by ONE. On the RTI 2 services the two companies plan to deploy a pair of 4,200 teu vessels.

“The higher capacity in both the RTI1 and RTI2 will help to meet growing traffic between Thailand and Indonesia going forward,” RCL said.

“Both Indonesia and Thailand remain amongst ASEAN fastest growing economies and by providing direct shipments between the two countries and via its transhipment hub of Port Klang and Singapore, RCL can provide its customers access to a wealth of destinations within Asia”.

RCL will also be taking over operation of the Thailand – Vietnam – China service RBH from partner ONE deploying the 1,000 teu Danu Bhum in addition the 1,000 teu ALS Satsuki. A call in Nansha will also replace on Hong on the service with the new rotation being Bangkok – Thai Sugar Terminal – Haiphong – Nansha – Shekou – Bangkok – Thai Sugar Terminal.

“RCL is excited with the growing opportunities in Haiphong and our ability to expand our participation in this trade. The addition of Nansha call too will bring us closer to our customers and provide them the convenience of a direct call,” said an RCL spokesperson.

Meanwhile RCL and its partners ONE, Xpress Feeders and Cosco, will be merging its TCX and TSC services between Thailand and India called RMB with four 5,500 teu vessels deployed on the service Kattupalli will be added as port of call to the new service.

An RCL spokesperson commented: “The RMB will be the only direct service between Thailand and East Indian ports of Chennai and Kattupalli. Both importers and exporters in Andhra Pradesh will enjoy a choice of discharge and loading ports whichever is more convenient and cost advantageous to their businesses”.