Korean media reported that HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Dae Sun Shipbuilding are competing for the order of feeder container ships for Bangladesh State Shipping Corp (BSC). The company, which previously focused on bulk carrier operations, is now planning to expand its maritime cargo transportation capacity by ordering container ships from Korean shipyards.
BSC is in detailed negotiations with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Dae Sun Shipbuilding for the construction of six 2,800 TEU feeder container ships, sources said. The order is valued at $333.2 million (about 47.7 billion won), with a single-vessel cost of about $55.5 million, and the new vessels are expected to be delivered in 2027 and 2028.
It is reported that BSC received preliminary approval from the country’s National Planning Committee in February this year to place an order for six feeder container ships with a South Korean shipyard. Additionally, BSC has applied for construction funding from the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) under the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF).
Currently, BSC operates eight bulk carriers and has no container ships in its fleet, and the company has recently scrapped five older vessels. Due to the retirement of old vessels and new vessels are urgently needed to replace them, the company plans to add 16 vessels to its fleet by 2030, including six new-built container ships.
“The introduction of new vessels by BSC will expand the country’s maritime trade and strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the global shipping market,” industry sources said.