The importance Bangladesh places in enhancing its blue economy was evident during a visit by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner Professor Sudharshan Seneviratne to Bangladesh’s Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI)
During a meeting with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner on 5 April 2022, DCCI President Rizwan Rahman explored the possibilities of maritime trade between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Adding that Sri Lanka could become a potential destination for Bangladesh investors, President Rizwan’s discussion with Bangladesh showed the country’s determination in improving their blue economy.
In February 2022, Bangladesh had let known their plans for enhancing their maritime trade by seeking direct shipping lines with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The direct shipping line was hoped for as it would help reduce shipping times by two-thirds between the two countries.
Expansion of maritime opportunities
With that hope, Bangladesh got its wish in enhancing their blue economy with the signing of an agreement between UAE-based Safeen Feeders with Bangladesh’s Saif Powertec. The contract will entail the delivery of bulk cargoes from the port of Fujairah, UAE to the ports of Chattogram and Mongla in Bangladesh.
Over the next 15 years of the contract, up to eight 55,000 dwt supramax dry bulk vessels will service the ports. According to Saif Powertec’s Managing Director Tarafder MD Ruhul Amin, the contract signifies Bangladesh’s improvement in facilitating shipment of dry cargoes on an international scale. This means an assurance of at least 15 years of job stability for seafarer contracted on these vessels.
In addition to the contract with the UAE, the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has also announced the new launch of a new intra-Asia service linking China with Bangladesh. The new service will start its first voyage from Hong Kong on 27 April, stopping at the ports of Yantian, Shekou, Singapore, Tanjung Pelepas, Chattogram, and back to Singapore, Tanjung Pelepas and Hong Kong.
These two good news out of Bangladesh brings new hopes for seafarers in the region, that job opportunities will be available as the country invests more into the maritime sector.
Crewing Online Media Team
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