Interim government has approved the purchase of two bulk carrier vessels, each with a capacity of 55,000–66,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT), from the United States. This acquisition from Hellenic Dry Bulk Ventures LLC will cost Bangladesh around Tk935.71 crore.
The approval was granted during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase Advisory Council on Tuesday. The meeting chaired by Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Secretariat.
According to meeting sources, under the “Procurement of Bulk Carrier Vessels of 55,000–66,000 DWT” project, tenders were invited for the purchase of two ships along with ancillary services through a one-stage, two-envelope bidding method. Three firms submitted bids, of which two were deemed technically responsive.
Following the completion of the tender evaluation process, and on the recommendation of the Tender Evaluation Committee, the government decided to procure the two vessels from Hellenic Dry Bulk Ventures LLC, the lowest responsive bidder.
These two vessels will be purchased with the own funds of the state-owned Bangladesh Shipping Corporation.