Bangladesh Shipping Corporation’s (BSC) newly acquired bulk carrier MV “Banglar Progoti” has officially commenced its commercial operations. The ship departed from Jingjiang Port, China, at 11:39am local time on Monday.
Speaking to TIMES of Bangladesh on Monday, BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek said, “’Banglar Progoti’ has started its first commercial voyage today. This marks a significant milestone for BSC, as it is the first vessel purchased entirely with the corporation’s own financing.”
According to BSC, the ship sailed from Jingjiang International Berth on 27 October 27 and is heading to Zhoushan, China, for bunkering. After refueling, it will proceed to its loading port, which will be determined by the charterer. The charterer will also inform BSC about the cargo type, loading, and discharging ports.
BSC took possession of the vessel on 21 October in London and subsequently received it directly from the Nanyang Shipbuilding Company Yard in Jingjiang, China, on 24 October.
The MV Banglar Progoti has been chartered to Hong Kong-based company LTE Shipping at a daily rate of $20,000. The charter officially began on 27 October, the same day the ship started its commercial operation. The vessel is manned by 25 Bangladeshi crew members, led by Captain Ashraf.
With the inclusion of Banglar Progoti, the number of ships in BSC’s fleet has increased from five to six. Another self-financed bulk carrier, MV Banglar Nabajatra, is expected to join the fleet in December, raising the total to seven vessels.
BSC expects to earn Tk100 crore annually from Banglar Progoti, and Tk200 crore annually from both new ships combined.
Previously, in 2018 and 2019, BSC procured six ships with Chinese government financial assistance worth Tk1,843 crore. This time, the corporation has financed two ships for Tk935 crore from its own funds — a first in its history.
Both Banglar Progoti and Banglar Nabajatra are 199 meters long, 33 meters wide, and have a draft of 18 meters. Each vessel can carry 65,000 tonnes of cargo, strengthening BSC’s capacity in international bulk shipping operations.
