The U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh H.E. Dan William Mozena has paid a visit to Western Marine Shipyard on Oct. 6th 2012, along with a delegation team of six members from the U.S. Embassy. Earlier the Ambassador visited the shipyard in May 2011.
The Ambassador traveled to the shipyard by Western Cruise, which is the only luxurious cruise ship in river Karnaphuli. The Ambassador praised the shipbuilding practice in Bangladesh & said that U.S. government shall do its best to uplift the industry. The Ambassador was surprised to learn that without any bilateral trade promotion Western Marine had purchased machinery from U.S. makers for various shipbuilding projects. He emphasized that this market can grow further benefiting both the nations mutually. He even added that there is a huge demand for small ships in North America, which is exactly the type of foreign market that Bangladeshi shipyards are looking for.
To be mentioned Western Marine is currently building 13 nos of fishing trawlers. All these trawlers will be installed with U.S. brand Caterpillar main engine & genset. Main-engine & genset comprises 40% of a ship’s price.
The Shipyard Chairman Saiful Islam said that from this visit it could be expected that the bilateral trade between Bangladesh & U.S. will be further enhanced, “ earlier Bangladesh mostly contributed in the U.S. Economy through export of ready-made garments but now we hope that we will be able to secure a market share in USA by exporting ships .”
Shipyard Managing Director Sakhawat Hossain said that, “w e are the only IMS (Integrated Management System) certified company in Bangladesh having 3 international certificates for quality, environment, and health & safety. ” He also said that Bangladesh has competitive advantage in shipbuilding for lesser price & availability of skilled workers & shipbuilding experts in the country. “ We are in negotiation for newbuilding of some ropax ferry & tugboats for Canada & North American owner as we have proved ourselves as a successful builder of ice class MPC ships & RoPax ferry .”
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Press Release, October 8, 2012