Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) has officially taken delivery of its newly acquired vessel, MV Banglar Nabojatra, formerly known as XCL Lion, marking another milestone in the national flag carrier’s fleet expansion.
According to BSC officials, the delivery was completed on 27 January following the successful conclusion of the closing formalities in London.
With the handover completed, the vessel’s master formally assumed command, confirming the transfer of operational control to BSC.
The closing programme for the acquisition began earlier in the day at the office of the seller’s legal counsel, Stevenson Harwood, where all contractual and legal procedures were finalised.
Although ownership has already been transferred, physical delivery of the vessel is scheduled for 29 January 2026 at Nanyang Shipyard in Jingjiang, China. The vessel is expected to commence commercial operations on 31 January.
“With the completion of the documentation and delivery process, MV Banglar Nabojatra is now fully under the ownership of Bangladesh Shipping Corporation,” said BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek.
BSC officials expressed satisfaction over the successful acquisition, saying the addition of the vessel will further strengthen the corporation’s capacity in maritime trade and shipping operations under the national flag.
Under its self-financed ship procurement programme, BSC has already taken delivery of two bulk carrier vessels. The first ship, Banglar Pragati, was delivered and commissioned on 28 October 2025, while the delivery of the second vessel, Banglar Nabojatra, was completed on 27 January.
The newly acquired ship is expected to begin commercial operations shortly. Meanwhile, the process is underway to acquire two MR product oil tankers with government financing, along with one Ultramax-size bulk carrier under BSC’s own financing.
In addition, plans have been finalised to further expand the fleet through the procurement of four large mother vessels from China under a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement.
