Western Marine Shipyard has delivered two passenger ships to Karachi Port Trust in Pakistan (KPT) yesterday. The ships were delivered through a function at the Western Marines shipyard in Chittagong. Industry minister Dilip Barua was present as chief guest and High Commissioner of Pakistan H.E. Afrasiab was present as special guest at the function.
General Manager of Karachi Port Trust Operations Rear Admiral Azhar Hayat Western Marine Shipyard chairman Saiful Islam and managing director Sakhawat Hossain, local dignitaries, heads of government bodies were also present at the occasion.
The passenger ships with a carrying capacity of 215 passengers & 10 crews are 30m long and 6.18m wide. The depth of the vessels is 1.8m each.
Western Marine Shipyard was awarded this order upon competing in an international tender, where ship builders of Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and other nations were also took part. The construction work of these ships was initiated on the October 2010 and they have been constructed at a cost of BDT20 crore.
Industry minister Dilip Barua said that Western Marine has always uplifted the image of Bangladesh in the globe and they have proven their quality and productivity once again by delivering these ships to KPT.
Saiful Islam said, “ It is the first time a Bangladeshi shipyard is delivering ships t Pakistan, this will be an example for increased trade among SAARC nations which was discussed in the recent SAARC conference in Maldives .”
Sakhawat Hossain said, “ The shipyard has made another record by building 10 ships in the year 2011. The two of which has been delivered to their owner today .”
Pakistan Ambassador Afrasiab was impressed with the ships saying that this will enhance the bilateral relation between Pakistan and Bangladesh
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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, January 6, 2012; Image: wms