Japanese shipping company Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has expressed keen interest in investing and providing technological cooperation in Bangladesh’s promising ship recycling sector.
The company aims to build a long-term partnership with Bangladesh focusing on environment friendly green ship recycling, technology transfer, and the development of skilled human resources.
The interest was formally conveyed on Wednesday during a meeting between a high-level delegation from MOL and Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir at Industries Ministry.
During the discussion, Muktadir said the ship recycling and shipbuilding industries can play a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s industrialisation, employment generation, and economic growth.
The minister noted that the advancement of these two sectors would not only enhance industrial capacity but also facilitate technology transfer, develop skilled manpower, expand investment, and boost export capabilities.
“Bangladesh is currently one of the world’s leading ship recycling nations,” Muktadir said, highlighting the country’s long-standing experience, skilled labour force, and necessary infrastructure in the sector.
He added that there are currently around 31 green ship recycling facilities operating in the country, and the government plans to increase this number to a three-digit figure over the next few years.
Muktadir further emphasised that Bangladesh’s objectives extend beyond merely recycling old ships; rather, the country intends to utilise its existing capacity to construct a robust foundation for a strong shipbuilding industry.
In this regard, Japan’s technological expertise, advanced management systems, and extensive experience in shipbuilding could offer critical support to Bangladesh.
“Through mutual trust and cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan, it is possible to transform the ship recycling and shipbuilding sectors into an integrated and strong industrial base,” the minister remarked.
He pointed out that such cooperation is also vital for Japan as a maritime trade-dependent nation.
Muktadir explained that sea transport and the shipping industry share a deep relationship with Bangladesh’s raw material imports, industrial production, and export activities.
The visiting MOL delegation expressed their eagerness regarding investment, technological cooperation, skill development, and establishing a long-term partnership in the ship recycling sector.
The meeting was attended by Industries Secretary Abdun Naser Khan, MOL General Manager Kentaro Ueda, Global Ship Recycling Project Manager Takaha Uematsu, MOL Senior Director Senji Tokumoto, and other senior officials from the ministry.
