Regional Container Lines Public Company Limited (the “Company” or “RCL”) would like to report the operating results for the third quarter of 2025, ended September 30, 2025. The Company recorded a net profit of THB 2,301 million, an increase of THB 296 million or 14.8% compared to the previous quarter. This was primarily driven by an increase in freight income of THB 321 million or 3.6%, coupled with effective cost management, resulting in a 1.9% reduction in the cost of freight and operations. The total lifting, meanwhile, decreased by 1.4%. The average freight rate rose from USD 406 per TEU in the second quarter of 2025 to USD 440 per TEU in the third quarter of 2025.
For the nine-month period of 2025, the Company netted a total profit of THB 6,364 million, an increase of THB 511 million or 8.7% compared to the same period last year, which reported a net profit of THB 5,852 million. This growth was mainly supported by a 9.7% increase in freight income, driven by a rise in total lifting of 200,000 TEUs or 11.3%, reflecting the Company’s fleet expansion and broader and various services. In the meantime, the cost of freight and operations increased by 9.9%, while the average freight rate rose by 6.3% compared to the same nine-month period of the previous year.
During the third quarter of 2025, the global container shipping industry continued to face pressure from vessel oversupply outpacing demand, leading to a slowdown in overall freight rates. At the same time, geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty, particularly the impact of the trade war between China and the United States, remained key challenges for business operations. In response, the Company has focused on strategies to strengthen long-term competitiveness and ensure sustainable growth. These include enhancing fleet capabilities with modern, environmentally friendly vessels to meet the growing demand for green logistics and comply with International Maritime Organization (IMO) environmental standards.
Additionally, the Company has signed a collaborative memorandum of understanding to promote the use of biofuel in the container shipping industry. In October, Piya Bhum, a vessel in the Company’s fleet successfully took on B24 VLSFO, one of the clean fuel alternatives for container vessels, for the first time. This achievement reflects the Company’s strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions and driving sustainable growth. In addition, the Company adopted digital technologies to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly changing environment.
Lastly, the Company is pleased to announce that at the Board of Directors’ Meeting No. 7/2025 held on November 7, 2025, a resolution was passed to declare the No. 2/2025 of interim dividend payment of THB 0.50 per share, with the Record Date set for November 21, 2025, and the dividend payment scheduled for December 4, 2025. Furthermore, the Board of Directors approved Regional Container Lines Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary in Singapore, to proceed with the acquisition of two newly built vessels, each with a capacity of 14,000 TEUs, with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., Republic of Korea, a global leader in shipbuilding. Both vessels are equipped with advanced technology to enhance fuel efficiency, aligning with sustainability goals and future environmental regulations. This strategic investment underscores the Company’s long-term vision to strengthen fleet capabilities, expand into high-potential markets, and establish a robust foundation for sustainable growth.