Bangladesh's first floating research vessel remains docked after engine failures
The vessel was constructed at a cost of nearly Tk4 crore in 2018, funded by the University Grants Commission
Highlights:
- Research vessel stranded due to repeated engine failures since early 2024
- Built for aquatic research but largely unusable for five years
- Researchers rely on speedboats, causing time and cost inefficiency
- Engine issues linked to unrefined fuel and vessel's deep draft
- Vessel operates only as stationary lab despite advanced onboard facilities
- Experts propose fixes; UGC funding sought to restore mobility
Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University's (CVASU) pioneering floating research vessel, launched seven years ago on Kaptai Lake, has been rendered inoperative due to repeated engine failures, leaving the country's first specialised research ship anchored for almost a year.
The vessel was constructed at a cost of nearly Tk4 crore in 2018, funded by the University Grants Commission (UGC). A Swedish shipbuilding company built the 17-metre-long, seven-metre-wide, two-deck vessel, designed for multi-disciplinary aquatic research.
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However, over the past five years, repeated mechanical failures have rendered it largely unusable. The latest breakdowns in both engines have left it moored at Rangamati's jetty since January this year.
Despite this, researchers continue to use the vessel as a floating laboratory for certain studies. They have to reach the lake by speedboat to collect samples, which are then transferred to the anchored vessel for analysis, resulting in both time and cost wastage.
Prof Mohammad Lutfur Rahman, vice-chancellor of CVASU, told The Business Standard that the vessel currently functions as a stationary lab.
"We may need structural modifications. A committee, including an expert from Cuet, has been formed. It will recommend ways to sail the vessel again, after which UGC funding will be requested," he said.
Engine failures, draft issues
Work on the vessel began in December 2017. It was a trial run in January 2018, and officially inaugurated on 28 November the same year. CVASU authorities noted that Malaysia, using a similar research vessel, had successfully revived the lost heritage of its artificial lake, Lake Kenyir, through extensive research.
The vessel was intended to navigate Kaptai Lake to study its soil, water, and aquatic biodiversity. But mechanical issues and its draft make navigation impossible, particularly during the dry season.
Research operations were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic shortly after the vessel's launch, followed by mechanical problems in 2021 that caused a temporary suspension. With assistance from the Swedish manufacturer, operations later resumed.
However, in February this year, one engine of the vessel failed, followed by the second in May. Since then, it has remained anchored at Rangamati's jetty. Even when engines were functional, the vessel rarely operated due to its shallow draft compared with Kaptai Lake.
As a result, it cannot navigate during the dry season. Even with working engines, the vessel is unable to move around the lake for more than six months a year.
Sumit Chakma, the vessel's engine operator, told TBS, "Engines have failed multiple times. Swedish experts explained that the fuel we use is unrefined, which has caused repeated breakdowns. Kaptai Lake has uneven depths with submerged hills. The vessel has a six-metre draft, so it often gets stuck, especially during the dry season."
Prof Sk Ahmad Al Nahid, dean of CVASU's fisheries faculty, said the vessel's inactivity forces researchers to use speedboats to collect samples, which are then brought to the moored vessel for analysis.
"This process wastes both time and resources. If operational, research could be conducted even in the farthest corners of the lake," he added.
Research potential remains significant
The vessel houses three advanced laboratories: a disease lab, an ecology lab, and a bathymetry and fishing technology lab.
Since its launch, faculty and students have undertaken over 15 research projects, including fish stock assessments, site selection for fish sanctuaries, chemical analyses of the lake, efforts to restore endangered species, and studies on commercially viable fish species and their breeding grounds.
Key studies include limnological research (the study of inland waters) of Kaptai Lake, reproductive biology of fishes, and microbial analyses of lake water and soil. Seven dedicated staff members support ongoing research, while up to 40 students can simultaneously participate in lab activities aboard the vessel.
Prof Nahid added, "Students routinely use the labs. We analyse water and soil quality, study plant and aquatic diversity, and monitor pollution levels, microplastics, and heavy metals in fish and water. We also track the breeding seasons of commercially important fish. Currently, the vessel serves as a stationary lab, but full navigation would significantly enhance research capabilities."
Prof Md Faisal, newly appointed coordinator of the vessel, told The Business Standard: "If the vessel were mobile, research would be much more effective. I have communicated the need for urgent action to the university authorities."
