As part of efforts to modernize the country’s maritime transport sector, two state-of-the-art and environmentally friendly vessels have been added to the fleet of Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC). These internationally compliant ships are expected to usher in a new era in the country’s maritime transportation system, said BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek.
He made the remarks at a press conference held at the BSC office on Wednesday afternoon.
He said the vessels, constructed at Jingjiang Nanyang Shipyard in China, were added to the BSC fleet on December 31, 2023, and January 1, 2024, respectively. Built with advanced technology, the ships are fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly, and meet international standards.
According to BSC sources, the proposal to procure the vessels was approved at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on October 17, 2020. Subsequently, a purchase agreement was signed on November 12, 2020, with Greece-based Hellenic Dry Bulk Ventures LLC.
Under the agreement, each vessel cost approximately $32.48 million, bringing the total cost to about $64.96 million, equivalent to more than Tk 5,600 crore. The project was financed through a combination of government funding and foreign loans.
The vessels were built under the “Green Ship Concept,” which enhances fuel efficiency and reduces environmental pollution. They comply with standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Key technological features include Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, Exhaust Gas Boiler (EGB) for fuel efficiency, Contra Rotating Propeller (CRP) to enhance speed and efficiency, a modern hull design to reduce hydrodynamic resistance, and an aerodynamic bridge design to minimize wind resistance.
The ships are equipped with advanced machinery from European and Japanese brands. Notably, MAN-B&W main engines and other critical components were sourced from Germany, Japan, China, and South Korea.
The vessels meet all requirements set by IMO, Flag State, and Classification Societies. Safety measures comply with ISPS Code, SOLAS, MARPOL, and the Ship Inspection Report Programme (SIRE).
For commercial operations, BSC has taken guidance from internationally experienced firms such as Maersk Tankers A/S and Cargill Ocean Transportation (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., ensuring efficient operation, maintenance, and revenue generation.
These vessels will be capable of transporting bulk cargo such as fertilizer, food grains, coal, and iron ore, thereby strengthening the country’s import-export activities.
Among others present at the press conference were BSC Executive Director (Commercial) Muhammad Anwar Pasha, Executive Director (Technical) Mohammad Yusuf, Secretary Abu Safayat Muhammad Shahedul Islam, General Manager (Administration) Captain Md. Mujibur Rahman, General Manager (Cargo Supervision and Operation) Captain Jamal Hossain Talukder, General Manager (Ship Personnel) Marine Engineer Md. Ziaur Rahman Chowdhury, and Deputy General Manager (Planning) Md. Masud Mia.
Experts believe the addition of these two modern vessels will enhance Bangladesh’s competitiveness in the global maritime sector and contribute significantly to the government’s “Blue Economy” initiative.
Officials also expressed hope that this initiative by Bangladesh Shipping Corporation will accelerate economic growth and pave the way for the inclusion of more modern and environmentally friendly vessels in the future.
