OVER the last two years since the Covid crisis began, 32 new flag vessels have joined Bangladesh's national flagged fleet, increasing from 48 in 2019 to 80 today, reports Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide
bangladesh spends US$9 billion in freight charges per annum, while local ocean-going vessels could tap eight to 10 per cent owing to a lack of vessels.
Now it has the opportunity to retain 20 per cent or $2 billion annually with the number of flag-carrier ships increasing.
Meanwhile, Chattogram-based Kabir Group's SR Shipping Limited, which currently owns 23 vessels, added five new ones to its fleet over the last three years and its investment in the sector totalled $345 million since 2003.
'Bangladesh should be self-sufficient with oceangoing vessels to retain freight charges now going to foreign ocean liners,' said Kabir Group deputy managing director Shahriar Jahan Rahat.
'We have invested in flag vessels to retain our share.' said Mr Rahat.
To further boost the industry, Mr Shahriar demanded a more business-friendly policy.
Department of Shipping principal officer Md Giyashuddin Ahmed declared that the highest number of ships in the history of Bangladesh has been added to the domestic fleet over the last two years.
'There are still plenty of investment opportunities in this sector. At present, Bangladesh has the capacity to transport about 20 per cent of import and export goods through local flag vessels,' said Mr Ahmed.
Meanwhile, Bashundhara Group has made new investments in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker sector.
Currently, Bashundhara Group has three ships for LPG transportation and owns another cargo ship.
SeaNews Turkey
bangladesh spends US$9 billion in freight charges per annum, while local ocean-going vessels could tap eight to 10 per cent owing to a lack of vessels.
Now it has the opportunity to retain 20 per cent or $2 billion annually with the number of flag-carrier ships increasing.
Meanwhile, Chattogram-based Kabir Group's SR Shipping Limited, which currently owns 23 vessels, added five new ones to its fleet over the last three years and its investment in the sector totalled $345 million since 2003.
'Bangladesh should be self-sufficient with oceangoing vessels to retain freight charges now going to foreign ocean liners,' said Kabir Group deputy managing director Shahriar Jahan Rahat.
'We have invested in flag vessels to retain our share.' said Mr Rahat.
To further boost the industry, Mr Shahriar demanded a more business-friendly policy.
Department of Shipping principal officer Md Giyashuddin Ahmed declared that the highest number of ships in the history of Bangladesh has been added to the domestic fleet over the last two years.
'There are still plenty of investment opportunities in this sector. At present, Bangladesh has the capacity to transport about 20 per cent of import and export goods through local flag vessels,' said Mr Ahmed.
Meanwhile, Bashundhara Group has made new investments in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker sector.
Currently, Bashundhara Group has three ships for LPG transportation and owns another cargo ship.
SeaNews Turkey