Western Marine bounces back, set to export 8 ships to UAE

Western Marine Shipyard, a prominent player in Bangladesh’s shipbuilding industry, is poised to make a significant comeback in the export market. After a four-year pause in ship exports, the company has secured a contract to deliver at least eight vessels to Marwan Shipping, a company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This development marks a notable milestone for Bangladesh, as it will be the first time in two years that ships are exported from the country. The last shipment occurred in September 2022, highlighting the importance of this new agreement for both Western Marine and the broader shipbuilding sector in Bangladesh.

A New Era of Ship Exports

In 2023, Western Marine Shipyard entered into a contract with Marwan Shipping to construct eight ships. The agreement includes the export of a 69-meter landing craft named “Rayan,” scheduled for delivery in January 2025. Following this, two tugboats, “Khalid” and “Ghaya,” are set to be delivered in April 2025. The remaining five vessels will be exported at various intervals throughout 2025. This contract is a significant achievement for Western Marine, especially after a challenging period marked by the global economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Captain Sohail Hasan, the managing director of Western Marine, expressed optimism during a recent press briefing. He noted that the company had previously exported a vessel to Marwan Shipping in 2017, which had impressed the UAE company enough to secure this new contract. This renewed partnership underscores the quality and reliability of Western Marine’s shipbuilding capabilities. The company has a rich history, having exported 33 ships to 11 countries, with a total export value exceeding $100 million. The upcoming shipments not only signify a revival for Western Marine but also reflect the potential for growth in Bangladesh’s shipbuilding industry.

Overcoming Challenges in the Shipbuilding Sector

The shipbuilding industry in Bangladesh has faced significant challenges in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a halt in exports, with Western Marine unable to secure major deals since 2019. Although the company managed to export two bulk carrier vessels in 2020, the lack of substantial contracts over the past four years has been a setback. According to the National Board of Revenue (NBR), no ships were exported from Bangladesh in the last two years, with the last export occurring in September 2022 by Ananda Shipyard.

Founded in 2000 by a group of 15 entrepreneurs, Western Marine Shipyard has established itself as a key player in the industry. The company has built over 150 vessels, including cargo ships, passenger vessels, and tugboats. Despite the recent challenges, the company remains committed to innovation and quality. In addition to the upcoming exports to Marwan Shipping, Western Marine is also set to deliver two passenger vessels, MV Rupsha and MV Sugandha, to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) next month. This diversification of projects demonstrates the company’s resilience and adaptability in a competitive market.