Banglar Progoti joins BSC fleet, sets sail on maiden voyage from China
Banglar Progoti is one of two bulk carriers BSC purchased from US-based Hellenic Dry Bulk Ventures
Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) has taken delivery of its newly purchased bulk carrier Banglar Progoti from a Chinese shipyard, expanding the state-owned fleet to six oceangoing vessels.
BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek and senior officials formally received the ship on Thursday at Jingjiang International Shipyard, where it was built. The vessel later departed from the Jingjiang International Berth for its maiden commercial voyage.
According to BSC officials, Banglar Progoti left the berth this morning and is en route to Zhoushan, China, for bunkering. After refuelling, it will proceed to its assigned loading port, to be confirmed by the charterer. Freight operations for the ship began this morning.
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The vessel, under the command of Captain Ashraf, has a 25-member crew.
In an internal message, Commodore Malek described the delivery as "one of the greatest achievements in BSC's five and a half decades of journey," adding that all registration and flag-related formalities have been completed.
Fleet modernisation drive
Banglar Progoti is one of two bulk carriers BSC purchased from US-based Hellenic Dry Bulk Ventures LLC through a Chinese shipyard earlier this year, at a total cost of $76.7 million (Tk935 crore). Each vessel has a capacity of 55,000–66,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT).
For the first time in its history, BSC is financing such purchases using its own funds, rather than government allocations. The move is part of the corporation's plan to modernise its fleet, cut dependence on chartered vessels, and strengthen Bangladesh's foothold in global shipping.
The second vessel is expected to be delivered later this year, officials said.
