In a landmark development for Bangladesh’s maritime sector, the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) has signed an agreement to acquire two modern bulk carrier vessels worth Tk 935.7 crore using its own funds, marking a historic first for the state-run shipping company.
The deal with Hellenic Dry Bulk Ventures LLC, which will supply the ships, was finalized at a city hotel on Sunday, September 21.
“This is the first time in Bangladesh’s history that the BSC is purchasing vessels with its own funds. It is undoubtedly a groundbreaking milestone for the shipping industry,” Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain said while speaking as chief guest.
The two vessels are expected to generate an additional Tk 150 crore profit annually for BSC, while boosting the corporation’s transport capacity by nearly 120,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT).
“This acquisition will significantly strengthen the country’s maritime trade and enhance Bangladesh’s global reputation as a green shipping nation,” Hossain said.
According to BSC, the ships are designed with fuel-efficient engines and advanced technological features that minimize nitrogen oxide emissions, ensuring full compliance with the latest environmental standards set by the International Maritime Organization.
Built in China under German licenses, the vessels are equipped with high-quality European and Japanese machinery, including pumps from Spain and compressors from Norway.
The advanced technology aligns with BSC’s strategy to meet international environmental standards while improving operational efficiency.
The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in October, with the second expected in December. BSC is also moving forward with the purchase of three more vessels by the end of this year, bringing the total number of acquisitions under the current government to five.
BSC officials said the addition of these vessels will not only increase BSC’s revenue but also reinforce Bangladesh’s status as an emerging ‘green shipping nation’ in the international maritime market.
With the acquisition, the state-run company aims to reduce reliance on external financing and boost its own financial stability.
As part of its long-term strategy, BSC is also working on expanding its fleet and modernizing its services to keep pace with the growing demand in global shipping and enhance its competitiveness.
