Western Marine Group has handed over one catamaran type passenger ship named ‘Western Cruise’ to Chittagong Boat Club (CBC) on 29 January 2012.
The ship was handed over to the Chief Guest of the event Vice Admiral Zahir Uddin Ahmed, Chief of the Naval Staff through a mezban festive, a traditional celebration in Chittagong. Begum Shabnam Ahmed, the President of Bangladesh Naval Family Welfare Association was the Special Guest in the event. Further various naval officers including the Naval COMCHIT Cdre M Nizamuddin Ahmed, boat club members, heads of distinguished government bodies & private organizations were present amongst others.
A catamaran is a specially designed luxury passenger carrier with twin hull, much safer than any other passenger ship. “Western Cruise” has been designed to carry 200 passengers, which will be used for river cruising in the Karnaphuli. This ship is the first of its kind ever built by a Bangladeshi shipyard.
Western Marine Managing Director Sakhawat Hossain said the launching of this cruise boat is a milestone for Chittagong city, because for the first time general people will get to see the developments & renowned entities in both side of Karnaphuli where the ship will cruise.
The Chairman of Western Marine Services Capt Sohail Hasan expressed his gratitude to Bangladesh Navy for being associated with the boat club through this venture.
The Chairman of Western Marine Shipyard Mr. Saiful Islam said Western Marine has again created a history by delivering an inland ship which carries so much importance for being associated with CBC.
Finally the Naval Chief, Vice Admiral Zahir said “this luxury cruise is a proud possession of CBC”.
Western Marine built this ship at a cost of Tk 8 crore approximate. The ship is 31.5M long & 8.4M wide. She can sail at a speed of 12 knots powered by 2X400HP engines. It will cruise in the belt of Karnaphuli River everyday making general people accustomed with the wonders which lie along Karnaphuli.
Western Cruise is expected to operate commercially in the 1st week of February 2012 having the harbor station at Chittagong Boat Club. Initially the management has planned for two trips, one in the afternoon and another at night. During cruising the passengers can enjoy several amusements including dinning, music, magic & many more with a kids’ corner. The ship could also be hired for occasions like conference, get together, etc.
The management of Western Marine believes that this cruise will enlighten the tourists & even the local people of Chittagong with the developments in the port city which lies along both the sides of Karnaphuli.
[mappress] World Maritime News Staff, January 30, 2012