Thailand-based carrier Regional Container Lines (RCL) has placed a newbuilding order for four container feeder vessels with China's CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding, extending a long-standing partnership between the two companies as part of RCL's fleet expansion and modernisation strategy. The new vessels will feature optimised hull designs and energy-efficient propulsion systems, built to comply with the latest International Maritime Organization environmental standards, including EEDI Phase III and NOx Tier III requirements. The specifications are intended to reduce operating costs and lower carbon intensity across RCL's fleet. The additional tonnage is aimed at boosting sailing frequency and cargo capacity on RCL's intra-Asia, Southeast Asia, and Indian subcontinent trade lanes, which have seen sustained demand growth. RCL operates as a regional feeder carrier connecting ports across these networks, and the newbuild order reflects efforts to keep pace with cargo volumes while renewing older tonnage with more fuel-efficient ships. The contract also points to continued demand for fuel-efficient regional feeder vessels at major Chinese shipyards, as liner operators worldwide pursue fleet renewal programmes to meet tightening environmental regulations and shifting trade patterns in intra-Asia container markets.