Govt to build int'l standard shipyard in Patuakhali: Industries Sec

Industries Secretary Zakia Sultana said that an initiative has been taken to build an international standard shipyard near Payra port in Patuakhali district.

The shipbuilding and repair factory will be set up under the management of Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation (BSEC) under the Ministry of Industry, said a press release on Friday.

“If the project is implemented, it will be possible to build and repair overseas ships in a modern and sustainable manner. Due to the huge demand for this industry in various countries of the world including Europe, the way of earning a lot of foreign exchange will be smooth,” said Zakia.

She said these things after visiting the proposed project areas in Charnishanbaria and Madhupur Mouza of Kalapara upazila of Patuakhali on Thursday during an exchange of views with the concerned parties.

Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Industry Md Zafar Ullah, senior officials of Payra Port Authority, director (Planning and Development) of BSEC, representatives of Gentium Damen Consortium, and related officials were present.

The industries secretary also said that if the project is implemented, there will be a significant change in the socio-economic context of the region, including the creation of employment for around five thousand people.

It will be possible to start land development and other works immediately after the land acquisition process is completed, she added.

It may be noted that during her visit to Patuakhali in 2014, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced the construction of a shipyard here. In 2015, during the inspection of the Ministry of Industry, it was asked to take quick action in this regard.

At that time, the Ministry of Industry identified it as their priority project and took the initiative to implement it.

Later, Singapore and Australia-based company Gentium Solutions and Dutch company Damen Shipyards Group came up with an investment proposal, and a memorandum of understanding was signed with BSEC in January 2020 to verify the feasibility of the two companies.