Working Conditions Aboard the Ts-Bangkok

On the evening of March 24, 2019, a maritime tragedy unfolded at Bangkok Port when the vessel "TS Bangkok" made an ill-fated maneuver near the ferry and boat pier by the Klong Toey Nok Temple, situated along the Chao Praya River. As the ship, which was under pilotage and being assisted by tugs, attempted to turn, it encountered unexpectedly strong currents that complicated the operation. Unfortunately, the combination of powerful swells generated by the vessel’s propeller and the challenging water conditions led to a longtail boat capsizing. Amid the chaos, a man aboard the overturned boat tragically drowned, highlighting the dangerous consequences of marine navigation in adverse conditions.

On July 21, 2023, TS Line celebrated the launch of its latest 1,800 TEU containership, the TS Bangkok, during a vibrant christening ceremony at the CSBC Corporation shipyard in Keelung, Taiwan. The event was graced by prominent figures including Mr. Wen-Lon Cheng, chairman of CSBC, and Mr. T S Chen, chairman of TS Line. The ceremony was also attended by Mrs. Li-Yen Yang, spouse of the president of Mega International Commercial Bank, who performed the role of sponsor. Mr. Cheng highlighted the significance of this series of vessels for TS Line, amid a challenging operating environment for the shipping industry over the past few years. He noted, "While many ship owners have become more cautious in placing new orders, we have reposed our trust in CSBC's established reputation and decided to support local industry by commissioning our 1,800 TEU containerships from them." Expressing gratitude, Mr. Cheng remarked, "We are very thankful for the unwavering support from TS Line during turbulent times. In addition to the four ships in the 1,800-TEU series, we are committed to placing further orders at CSBC's Keelung shipyard." The TS Bangkok, which is the pioneer of its class, commenced construction in 2015 and is certified by ClassNK (NK) and CR Classification Society (CR). This innovative vessel stretches 172 meters in length and 27.5 meters in width, and it boasts the state-of-the-art Sea-Sword Bow (SSB) technology developed by CSBC. The SSB design is a notable advancement over traditional bow structures, delivering improved energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. Thanks to its energy-saving features, the SSB design allows the TS Bangkok to achieve optimal navigational performance while minimizing fuel consumption. The design's excellence has been recognized, having graced the cover of The Naval Architect for three consecutive years, receiving accolades as one of the best innovative vessels in the maritime industry. The TS Bangkok is set to operate on the intra-Asia trade lane through the JHT service, with its port rotation including major stops at Osaka, Kobe, Nagoya, Yokohama, Tokyo, Keelung, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Hong Kong, Shekou, Laem Chabang, and Bangkok, before returning to Osaka. This new vessel marks a significant milestone for TS Line as it embraces advancements in maritime technology while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainable shipping practices.