With 100 seagoing ships under its ownership, Bangladesh has accomplished a noteworthy milestone.
The maritime sector continues to prosper, generating at least $6 billion in revenue annually and requiring investments totaling $18 billion.
The growing presence in this sector is highlighted by major industries like SR Shipping, Vanguard, Meghna, Bashundhara, and awaiting approval for the registration of additional vessels.
Previously, foreign ships dominated the jetties of Chattogram Port, transporting Bangladeshi goods. However, since 2013, Bangladeshi shipping entrepreneurs have increasingly invested in ocean-going vessels.
Sources said, over the past 11 years, 99 mother vessels have been added to Bangladesh's seagoing fleet, with the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation initiating shipping operations with two vessels post-independence.
Leading the pack in ship ownership among Bangladeshi industrial groups are Meghna Group and SR Shipping, with 24 vessels each, followed by 10 owned by the Akiz Group. Other prominent players include HR Shipping, Bangladesh Shipping Corporation, Vanguard, and Bashundhara Group, collectively contributing to the addition of 71 new and refurbished ships in the last 5 years alone.
Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail emphasised Bangladesh's vast potential in the maritime sector, highlighting the correlation between increased cargo handling capacity and foreign exchange earnings. An official of the Shipping Corporation said, several companies, including Meghna Group and SR Shipping, have applied for registration of milestone ships, symbolising Bangladesh's growing presence in global maritime trade. The authority anticipates a further increase in ship ownership, projecting a fleet size of 125 vessels by 2024, he added.
