Bangladesh charts a course for shipbuilding excellence
With global trade dependent on maritime routes, Bangladesh is seeking to turn its shipbuilding sector into a growth engine — supported by new training programmes preparing thousands for jobs at home and abroad
The ocean and its adjoining seas and rivers cover approximately three-fourths of the Earth's surface, serving as vital ecosystems and economic arteries. With over 80% of global trade transported via maritime routes, the ocean plays a pivotal role in international commerce. It is also a source of livelihood for millions, a habitat for diverse marine species, and a critical regulator of the planet's climate.
Shipping, ocean protection, and economic growth are deeply interconnected. Since ships are the only means of moving goods across oceans, making shipping safer and more efficient is crucial. Shipbuilding, therefore, plays a key role, and Bangladesh has a strong opportunity to expand in this sector by pursuing smart improvements.
To support this advancement, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Ministry of Finance have partnered with the Association of Export Oriented Shipbuilding Industries of Bangladesh (AEOSIB) to develop a skilled workforce. Since the inception of the initiative in 2016, AEOSIB has trained around twenty thousand individuals across seven trades through technical institutes and shipyards nationwide. Many graduates have secured employment both domestically and internationally, including placements in the Middle East, Singapore and Malaysia. Others have ventured into entrepreneurship.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Following the successful completion of Phase I, AEOSIB has launched Phase II under the Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SICIP). The current phase targets 6,000 trainees for basic and mid-level courses. Notably, welding and fabrication programmes are assessed by international classification societies such as Bureau Veritas (BV) and DNV-GL. In the advanced welding course (2,500 trainees), approximately 70% of successful participants are expected to secure overseas employment opportunities, reflecting strong global demand.
Captain M. Habibur Rahman is the Chief Coordinator of AEOSIB-SICIP and Ex-Cadet of Bangladesh Marine Academy (1973-1975)
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.
