Three Bangladesh-built cargo landing craft set sail for Emirates

Bangladesh's growing shipbuilding industry, which has been steadily expanding its presence in Middle Eastern and Asian markets, marked another milestone this week as Western Marine Shipyard delivered three newly built landing craft to a UAE-based company. 

The shipyard formally delivered three landing craft — Maya, SMS Emi, and Muna—to Marwan Shipping Ltd of the United Arab Emirates today (20 November) during a ceremony held aboard the Maya on the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram.

The vessels are part of an eight-ship construction deal signed between Western Marine and the UAE firm in 2023, covering four landing craft, two tugboats, and two tankers.

Earlier this year, Western Marine delivered a landing craft (Rayan) and two tugboats (Khalid and Ghaya) to the same buyer. The newly delivered vessels will be used to transport heavy equipment for offshore fuel operations.

With these, Western Marine has now exported 36 vessels worth roughly $138 million to 11 countries.

UAE Ambassador Abdullah Ali Abdullah Alhammoudi attended the handover as the chief guest, alongside commerce ministry Additional Secretary and FBCCI Administrator Abdur Rahim Khan. Western Marine Chairman Saiful Islam and Managing Director Captain Sohel Hasan were also present.

Ambassador Alhammoudi said the partnership would strengthen bilateral ties and expressed hope that more Bangladeshi-built vessels would head to the UAE. Khan described Western Marine's success as a key component of the country's export diversification strategy.

Saiful Islam noted that Bangladesh must now look beyond traditional export products, while Captain Hasan stressed the need for long-term capital support to accelerate growth in the shipbuilding sector.