KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 22): Sarawak-based Harbour-Link Group Bhd (KL:HARBOUR) is acquiring two container vessels for RM56.68 million cash to expand its fleet and meet growing regional demand for container transportation.

The shipping group's 85%-owned subsidiary Harbour-Link Lines Sdn Bhd is purchasing the 90-metre self-propelled vessels from Sapor Shipbuilding Industries Sdn Bhd for RM28.34 million each, according to its filing with Bursa Malaysia on Thursday.

“The acquisition is in line with the expansion plans of Harbour-Link Group to augment its marine fleet capacity, improve operational efficiency, and meet the growing demand for container transportation services in the region,” the filing read.

The purchase will be funded through internally generated funds and bank borrowings. As at the year ended June 30, 2026 (FY2026), Harbour-Link had cash and cash equivalents of RM332.68 million against total borrowings of RM93.09 million.

Harbour-Link said the vessels will be delivered afloat alongside the builder’s yard in Sibu, free of maritime liens, mortgages, and hire-purchase obligations.  

According to its 2025 annual report, Harbour-Link operated 10 container vessels and four sets of tugs and barges, with a combined capacity of 8,432 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), serving Malaysia and other Asian markets. The group sold a 653-TEU container vessel in FY2025, saying the disposal aligned its fleet capacity with demand in its niche markets and helped maintain vessel utilisation.

Shares of Harbour-Link closed one sen or 0.81% lower at RM1.22 on Thursday, giving the group a market capitalisation of RM488.49 million. The stock has declined about 17% year to date.