REGIONAL Container Lines (RCL) continues to strengthen its fleet with the naming of four new vessels and the order of two more from Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS), reports UK's Seatrade Maritime News.

The new 12,000-TEU ships, Ussama Bhum and Varanya Bhum, were named at Imabari Shipbuilding's Hiroshima yard on August 27, 2024.

Ussama Bhum has already begun serving RCL's Middle East routes, while Varanya Bhum will be operational by December.

Additionally, two 7,000-TEU vessels, the Hemma Bhum and the Itthi Bhum, were named at SWS in early September and are now in service.

RCL has also secured contracts for two more dual-fuel-ready ships set for delivery in 2026 and 2028.