BRAC Bank-financed oil tanker set for maiden voyage
An ocean-going Aframax oil tanker financed by BRAC Bank, the largest newly built vessel registered under the Bangladeshi flag, is set to begin its maiden voyage.
Named MT Omera Liberty, the tanker is owned by MJL Bangladesh PLC, a concern of East Coast Group. Measuring 250 metres in length, the vessel can carry up to 115,000 tonnes of fuel oil and is scheduled to start its maiden journey on 31 March 2026.
The commissioning ceremony was held on 25 March 2026 at Daehan Shipbuilding in South Korea.
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Among those present at the event were East Coast Group Chairman Azam J Chowdhury, Daehan Shipbuilding Chairman David Kim, Bangladesh Ambassador to South Korea Toufiqul Islam, and MJL Shipping Chief Executive Officer Captain Minhazur Reza Chowdhury. BRAC Bank was represented by Abu Sadat Chowdhury, area head-1 of corporate, commercial and institutional banking.
Earlier, BRAC Bank extended financing to MJL Bangladesh for the acquisition of two ocean-going Aframax tankers — MT Omera Liberty and MT Omera Galaxy. The $95.77 million financing arrangement is, according to the bank, the largest single-ticket foreign currency offshore term loan arranged by a local private bank in Bangladesh for this sector.
The addition of MT Omera Liberty to the fleet is expected to strengthen MJL Bangladesh's operational capacity, improve the country's maritime logistics, support growing energy demand, and facilitate international trade.
Commenting on the occasion, BRAC Bank Managing Director and CEO Tareq Refat Ullah Khan said, "We are proud to partner with MJL Bangladesh in financing the largest Bangladeshi-flagged oil tanker. This milestone reflects BRAC Bank's capability to deliver large-scale foreign currency financing in collaboration with global partners. Beyond strengthening maritime logistics, this initiative contributes to trade growth, energy security and the long-term economic development of Bangladesh."
The inclusion of large oil tankers is also expected to reduce foreign currency outflows for fuel transportation while creating opportunities to earn foreign exchange through international freight services. It will also generate employment opportunities for Bangladeshi maritime professionals.
