Bangladesh: New Western Marine Lays Keels of Two Port Vessels

New Western Marine Ship Builders Ltd has laid keels of 1X 60 Ton BP tugboat and 1X1000MT carrying capacity water supply vessel in the shipyard premises at Patiya in Chittagong, on 28 June 2012.

This project is a milestone for the shipyard because Western Marine has made its century by laying the 100th keel of this shipyard.

Chairman of Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Rear Admiral Nizamuddin Ahmed was present as chief guest at the keel laying ceremony. High officials of CPA including the members of the port were present during the keel laying ceremony. IFIC Bank & AB Bank will be the financial partner of Western Marine for this project.

The shipyard won this contract by participating in an international tender as the lowest bidder. CPA chairman Rear Admiral Nizamuddin and managing director of the shipyard Mr. Sakhawat Hossain on behalf of their respective organization signed contract for building the new vessels at Bandar Bhaban in the city on June 5, 2012. The contract price of this project is BDT 53 core.

This new tugboat will be having an engine power of 4500BHP & 60BP, which will be the strongest tug in the country & most importantly it will be a locally built ship.

It will be built under class GL. Earlier the highest capacity tug was 3200 BHP engine powered having 38 ton BP. Such ships used to be imported but Western Marine’s expertise & proficiency in building quality vessels has enhanced them in achieving this order.

The other vessel which is a Water Supply Vessel, will be the largest vessel of its kind to be added in the fleet of Chittagong Port, having a carrying capacity of 1000mt fresh water to the merchant ships in the outer anchorage. It will be built under class Bureau Veritas.

The chairman of Western Marine, Mr. Saiful Islam said, “It is our pride that we are contributing to our economy by preventing import of vessels. Newbuilding of such high power tugboat locally is a result of our quality work & international standard shipbuilding practice.” “Our ports are our major sources driving the nation forward & their enhancement shall advance us further, he said.

Western Marine Managing Director Mr Sakhawat Hossain applauded saying that CPA is the greatest business associate of Western Marine & the tugboat Western Marine will be building will be remembered as a significant achievement of Bangladesh shipbuilding industry for its quality workmanship.

Port Chairman Rear Admiral Nizamuddin said, “These ships are our national assets. Their quality & proper maintenance in the long run will enhance port capacity in the future.

Western Marine has built ships of various types for Chittagong port in the past.

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Source: WMSHL, July 2, 2012