Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- The country's ship-building industry has received orders for supplying six dredgers worth nearly BDT 4.0 billion from the government, industry people have said.
Among the ship-makers, Karnaphuli Ship Builders Limited (KSBL) has bagged orders for manufacturing three dredgers, whereas Ananda Shipyard and Slipways Limited got orders for two, and Western Marine has got one, they added.
The government has decided to procure 10 more dredgers at a cost of nearly BDT 7.0 billion for capital dredging of the river channels and seaports to ensure navigability of the routs.
They said that the government's dredger procurement plan has opened a new horizon for the local industry to flourish their expertise in the new field.
Ananda and Western Marine have already emerged as world-class ship-builders, exporting ocean-going vessels worth over $100 million since 2007. The two companies are no longer interested to build small ships or oil-tankers for local groups. Rather, they have set their eyes on lucrative overseas deals, including a significant amount of money.
Besides, some new ship-builders are also waiting to bag orders from home and abroad to build dredgers, ships and oil-tankers.
BBN/SSR/AD-29Jan12-10:58 am (BST)