Bangladesh Begins Construction of First International-Standard Marine Research Vessel

Bangladesh has officially launched the construction of its first international-standard marine research vessel, marking a significant step forward in the country's marine science and blue economy initiatives. The project commenced on Tuesday through a keel-laying ceremony for the “Small Research Vessel” and a self-sustained pontoon designed to support its mooring facilities at Khulna Shipyard.

Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam inaugurated the construction work as the chief guest at the ceremony. The launch was marked by a symbolic strike of a wooden gavel following a digital countdown, while project visuals were displayed on a large screen.

Speaking at the event, the minister said the government is committed to ensuring the scientific and sustainable utilization of the country's vast marine resources. He noted that efforts are underway to implement the blue economy agenda outlined in the government's election manifesto, focusing on economic growth, employment generation, food security and climate resilience through marine resource management, marine-based industries, biodiversity conservation and scientific research.

Faqir Mahbub Anam described the initiative as a major milestone in Bangladesh’s maritime research history. He said the vessel would strengthen the country's capacity in ocean science, blue economy development and sustainable growth.

The minister said the need for a dedicated international-standard research vessel had long been recognized. He added that the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute was established to generate scientific knowledge about marine resources and apply that knowledge to national development, and the new vessel would play a crucial role in achieving that objective.

According to the minister, the vessel will support research and data collection related to fisheries resources, marine biotechnology, renewable energy, marine tourism and other ocean-based sectors. It will also serve as a modern training platform for young researchers.

He further said that advanced research infrastructure is essential to explore marine resources, biodiversity and economic opportunities hidden beneath the sea. The vessel is expected to provide reliable information on fish habitats, potential mineral resources and future development opportunities within Bangladesh’s maritime boundaries.

Highlighting the vessel’s domestic construction, the minister described the project as an example of “Made in Bangladesh” capability. He said the initiative demonstrates that Bangladesh is progressing not only as a user of ships but also as a capable shipbuilding nation.

The ceremony was chaired by Commodore Md. Minarul Haque, Director General of the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute. Welcome remarks were delivered by Rear Admiral AKM Zakir Hosen, Managing Director of Khulna Shipyard Limited.

The ceremony was attended by Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md. Abdullah Harun, Deputy Commissioner Hure Jannat, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Tajul Islam, alongside senior scientists and officials from BORI, engineers, naval architects, representatives of development partners, and journalists.

Khulna Shipyard Limited and the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute signed the construction agreement on 10 February 2023 under the direct procurement method. The agreement includes the construction of a Small Research Vessel and a self-sustained pontoon. The keel-laying ceremony formally marked the beginning of the project’s construction phase.

//DBTech/MAAM/IH//