For the first time in its history, the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), under the Ministry of Shipping, has purchased two modern bulk carrier vessels with its own financing.

To this end, a ship supply agreement was signed between BSC and Hellenic Dry Bulk Ventures LLC.

The signing ceremony was held at city a hotel on Sunday evening, with Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain, Advisor to the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

He said this is the first time BSC is purchasing ships with its own funding, marking a historic milestone for the country’s shipping industry.

Once added to the fleet, the two vessels are expected to increase annual earnings by Tk 150 crore. BSC’s transport capacity will also expand by around 120,000 DWT, enhancing its standing in the global arena as part of “green shipping”—a development that will play a significant role in boosting the country’s maritime trade, he added.

According to BSC, the new vessels are fuel-efficient and operationally advanced. Their main engines are equipped with nitrogen oxide emission control, significantly reducing environmental pollution. The design and technological features ensure fuel economy, eco-friendliness, and compliance with international environmental standards, meeting the latest requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The ships are equipped with high-quality European and Japanese machinery, built in China under German license. They feature pumps from Spain and compressors from Norway.

As per the agreement, the first vessel will be handed over to BSC in October 2025, followed by the second in December 2025.

Meanwhile, the process of purchasing three more ships for BSC is already underway this year. In total, the government has taken initiatives to procure five vessels for BSC during its current tenure.

BSC noted that the addition of the new ships will not only increase revenue but also strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the global maritime market as a “Green Shipping Nation.”