BSC sells 2 damaged ships for Tk46cr after earning Tk1,536cr

The Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) has sold two of its fire-damaged ships, Banglar Jyoti and Banglar Shourabh, for Tk46 crore after generating a combined revenue of Tk1,536 crore over their 37-year service.

The two vessels were originally purchased from Denmark in 1987 for Tk60 crore. Over the years, Banglar Jyoti contributed Tk805 crore in earnings, while Banglar Shourabh generated Tk731 crore.

However, after suffering severe fire damage in separate incidents last year, BSC decided to put them up for auction.

Initially, Messrs. Master & Brothers won the bid, offering Tk40.44 crore, but failed to complete the payment on time. As a result, the contract was awarded to the second-highest bidder, Jiri Subedar Ship Recycling Industries, for Tk45.86 crore, including VAT and tax.

BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek shared these details at a press conference at the BSC headquarters in Chattogram today (11 March).

He stated that the vessels had transported 425 lakh tonnes of cargo throughout their operational lifespan but had exceeded their typical service life of 25-26 years. "The ships are no longer usable and will now be scrapped."

The two vessels suffered significant damage in separate fire incidents.

On 30 September, Banglar Jyoti caught fire at the Dolphin Jetty of Chattogram Port, leading to the deaths of three crew members. Just days later, on 5 October, Banglar Shourabh also caught fire while unloading oil at the outer anchorage, resulting in one fatality.

Following these incidents, BSC invited international bids for the sale of the vessels on 5 December last year, receiving 16 offers. The bids were opened on 7 January this year, with Jiri Subedar Ship Recycling Industries ultimately securing the contract.

The final agreement was signed on 27 February, and on 5 March, Jiri Subedar Ship Recycling Industries officially took possession of the vessels and beached them for scrapping.