BSC Plans 22 New Mother Vessels to Boost Trade Control

Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) is preparing an ambitious plan to procure 22 new mother vessels at an estimated cost of Tk 10,000 crore, aiming to strengthen national control over seaborne foreign trade and reduce dependence on foreign carriers.

If implemented over the next five years, the initiative would significantly increase the share of Bangladeshi-flagged ships in the country’s import-export operations. Officials said the move would help conserve foreign currency, boost state revenue, and create new training and employment opportunities for local seafarers.

The procurement will be financed through a combination of BSC’s own funds and government-to-government agreements, with vessels likely to be sourced from South Korea and China.

At present, Bangladesh has 104 Bangladeshi-flagged mother vessels operated by both public and private entities, handling only about 11–12 percent of the nation’s foreign trade. Maritime experts say this falls well below international benchmarks, which suggest domestic carriers should manage around 40 percent of national trade.

A milestone in BSC’s 54-year history was reached last October when the corporation purchased a ship using its own funds for the first time. The vessel, Banglar Pragati, marked a shift toward greater financial independence. Another cargo vessel, Banglar Nobojatra, is set to join the fleet soon, while two additional ships with capacities of 55,000–66,000 tonnes are expected to generate annual revenues of Tk 150–200 crore.

Industry leaders have welcomed the expansion plan, noting that a stronger state-owned fleet is critical for reducing foreign freight costs, which currently drain nearly Tk 1 lakh crore in foreign currency each year.

BSC once operated as many as 34 ships in the 1990s, but its fleet shrank over time due to aging vessels, mismanagement, and operational setbacks. Although six new ships were acquired after 2018, losses linked to conflict and accidents reduced the active fleet. The addition of Banglar Pragati has since restored the number to six.

Port and shipping experts say expanding the number of domestic-flagged vessels would enhance Bangladesh’s competitiveness in global trade and improve efficiency at ports. They also stress the need to deploy state-owned ships on routes that directly serve national economic interests.

With record profits reported last year, the planned acquisition of 22 mother vessels is seen as a strategic effort by BSC to reclaim its former maritime standing while supporting long-term economic growth.