Technology Drives Bangladesh Maritime Sector

Bangladesh observed World Maritime Day 2026 under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence”, placing strong emphasis on engineering and technology for building a safe, modern, technology-driven, environmentally sustainable and internationally competitive maritime sector.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence” as its World Maritime Day theme for 2026 and 2027. The theme focuses on translating international maritime regulations into national legislation, enforcement, training and practical day-to-day operations.

The event was organised by the Department of Shipping under the overall supervision of the Ministry of Shipping. Separate messages were issued for the occasion by President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Their messages highlighted the importance of skilled human resources, modern ports, effective regulatory systems, maritime safety, environmental protection, digital technology and implementation of international maritime regulations to realise Bangladesh’s maritime potential.

Shipping Minister, Road Transport and Bridges Minister and Railways Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam MP attended the event as chief guest at a hotel in Dhaka on 27 September. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Khandker Mesbah-ul-Azim attended as special guest.

In his speech, the Shipping Minister said the success of policies, plans and international commitments ultimately depends on effective implementation. Ratifying international conventions or enacting laws alone is not enough; tangible benefits must be ensured through safer ships, cleaner and modern ports, skilled seafarers, stronger regulatory systems and sustainable maritime trade.

He stressed modernising and automating Bangladesh’s ports, expanding their capacity and reducing cargo handling time. He also reaffirmed the need to strengthen the Department of Shipping’s inspection and regulatory capacity, bring flag State and port State control activities up to international standards, and ensure effective compliance with safety and environmental requirements.

The minister said Bangladeshi seafarers are among the country’s most valuable maritime resources and serve as important representatives of Bangladesh abroad. Continued investment in their welfare, training, certification and professional skills will be maintained. He also stressed integrated initiatives for sustainable inland and coastal shipping, prevention of river pollution and safer navigation.

In his speech, the Chief of Naval Staff highlighted the close relationship between maritime security and maritime prosperity. He said the development of ports, maritime trade, fisheries, offshore resources and the blue economy depends on a safe and stable maritime environment.

He called for stronger maritime security, information sharing, Maritime Domain Awareness and coordination among relevant agencies. He also praised Bangladesh’s maritime heritage, domestic shipbuilding capabilities and the contribution of Bangladeshi seafarers working around the world.

He stressed increased investment in maritime education, training, modern technology and professional development, while identifying the growing participation of women maritime professionals as an important force for excellence in the sector.

The event was informed that Chattogram Port currently handles around 3.4 million TEUs of containers annually. Matarbari Deep Sea Port is expected to play an important role in meeting an additional future capacity requirement of around 4 million TEUs.

The port is being developed with a target to begin operations in 2029 and is expected to directly accommodate mother vessels of around 230 metres in length with capacities of 8,000 to 10,000 TEUs. This is expected to reduce transportation time and logistics costs while strengthening Bangladesh’s position in regional and global supply chains.

Bangladesh’s approximately 6,000 kilometres of inland waterways were described as an important economic and communications asset. The event stressed the need for a safe, environmentally sustainable and technology-driven inland shipping system, along with effective connections among seaports, coastal routes and inland waterways to establish an integrated multimodal transport network.

Progress in the ship recycling sector was also highlighted. Following the entry into force of the Hong Kong International Convention, 24 ship recycling yards in Bangladesh have reportedly achieved compliance, while another 20 yards are undergoing certification. The authorities reaffirmed their commitment to developing the industry into a modern, responsible and internationally competitive sector while ensuring safety, worker welfare and environmental standards.

The event also highlighted Bangladesh’s accession to three important international maritime conventions concerning compensation for oil and bunker pollution and the removal of shipwrecks. Work is also continuing to modernise national laws, regulations and institutional capacity.

With support from the International Maritime Organization’s GreenVoyage2050 programme, Bangladesh has initiated the preparation of a national action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. The programme places emphasis on low-carbon fuels, energy efficiency, electrification of port operations and environmentally responsible ship recycling as part of the transition towards green shipping. IMO has also identified new technologies, decarbonisation, digitalisation, cybersecurity and marine environmental protection as important areas for practical implementation under the 2026 World Maritime Day theme.

The event also highlighted progress in maritime education and training. Currently, 15 maritime academies and training institutions and one maritime university are working to produce skilled seafarers, marine engineers and port management professionals.

More than 138 women cadets have graduated from Bangladesh’s maritime academies since 2014, while around 50 women cadets are currently completing training each year.

The authorities also announced plans to further expand the capacity of the Department of Shipping’s Joint Rescue and Coordination Centre (JRCC) for rapid response to maritime accidents, search and rescue operations, vessel identification and coordinated communications.

An initiative to gradually bring Bangladesh’s inland vessels under digital registration and tracking systems was also highlighted. Such systems can strengthen vessel identification, safety monitoring, emergency response and data-driven navigation management.

Speakers said coordinated efforts by the government, Bangladesh Navy, port authorities, Department of Shipping, shipowners, shipping companies, ship management firms, ship recyclers, maritime academies, seafarers and other stakeholders are essential to transforming Bangladesh’s maritime potential into tangible economic progress.

The central message of World Maritime Day 2026 was that policies must translate into action, commitments into measurable outcomes, and maritime potential into tangible national benefits.

The programme concluded with a commitment to work collectively towards building a safe, green, smart, secure and globally competitive maritime Bangladesh.

Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping Zakaria, Director General of the Department of Shipping Commodore Md. Shafiul Bari, senior government officials, representatives of port authorities, shipowners, shipping companies, ship management and ship recycling organisations, heads of maritime education and training institutions, seafarers, maritime professionals and other stakeholders attended the event.

//DBTech/KABP/SME/MIST//