BSC takes delivery of MV Banglar Nabojatra in China

Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) has formally taken physical delivery of its newly acquired bulk carrier MV Banglar Nabojatra, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to expand its owned fleet, the corporation said today (29 January).

The delivery took place at Jingjiang Nanyang Shipyard in China today (29 January), with the handover process beginning at around 11am and concluding by 7pm, according to a BSC press release. Representatives from the Ministry of Shipping, the BSC team, Nanyang Shipyard management, members of the classification society Lloyd's Register, and officials from the seller were present at the ceremony.

Previously named XCL Lion, Banglar Nabojatra will enter commercial service from 1 February 2026, BSC said. The delivery concludes the acquisition of two self-financed bulk carriers by the state-owned company, the other being MV Banglar Progoti, which was delivered from the same Chinese shipyard in October 2025 and is already engaged in commercial operations.

The purchases form part of a broader strategy by BSC to rebuild and modernise its fleet after years of contraction. Until recent acquisitions, the corporation had operated a reduced number of vessels compared with earlier decades, when its owned fleet was larger and more diversified.

Under the purchase agreement, each vessel was acquired at $38.349 million, with the combined cost of both ships amounting to $76.698 million, about 4.6% below the initially estimated cost. BSC said the new ships are fuel-efficient, technologically advanced and meet international environmental standards, equipped with high-quality European and Japanese machinery.

Officials said the addition of Banglar Nabojatra will enhance BSC's capacity to transport bulk cargo for both domestic and international markets.