The state-owned Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) has added two modern bulk carriers ‘Banglar Nabajatra’ and ‘Banglar Pragoti’ to its fleet, implementing a high-efficiency, low-cost strategy. The vessels are expected to significantly increase foreign currency earnings while recovering the total investment within six to seven years.
While international valuers estimated the price at $40.2 million per vessel, BSC secured them for $38.34 million each through negotiation, saving approximately Tk 50 crore. Since their induction, the ships have already generated Tk 50 crore in revenue. BSC expects an annual income of Tk 150 crore from these two vessels alone. The total purchase cost stood at $76.69 million (approx. Tk 935 crore), funded by BSC’s own resources.
The vessels feature aerodynamic designs and dual-fuel retrofit capabilities, making them 30% to 40% more fuel-efficient than traditional ships. Built in China with Japanese and Western machinery, they comply with international NECA (Nitrogen Emission Control Area) regulations to minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
Currently operating on international routes, both ships achieved "Zero Deficiency" status during inspections in the US, Brazil, and Ivory Coast. This expansion follows BSC's most successful financial year (2023-24), where the organization recorded a record net profit of Tk 306 crore.
Addressing recent media speculation regarding the purchase process, BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek emphasized that the procurement passed through 12 ministries and multiple technical committees to ensure transparency and accountability. He stated that the acquisition followed all standard government protocols, including approvals from the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Finance.
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