The Dockyard began through building 100 vessels & 20 dredgers in the year 2002 and began its activities through sand filling of our renowned housing project namely “ River View project ” in the year of 2002 by 120 vessel-dredgers belong to the unit.
To keep the operation of sands filling works of River View Project uninterrupted the unit required continuous repair & maintenance works of those 120 vessels-dredgers as and when deemed necessary and started docking-undocking of those vessels-dredgers through temporary installed 2 slipways. Thus these areas of lands at Katuail turned into a shape like Dockyard, which is situated at the end of River View Project as well as at the end of South Keraniganj Thana and by the bank of river `Buriganga’.
In order to fulfill day-to-day requirements of repairing, maintenance & Shipbuilding works properly the unit looked forward to upgrade the yard and gradually sat up different section like a) Store, b) Workshop, c) Engine section d) Operation section, e) IT & Electric section, f) Molding Section etc. In fact the location of the Bashundhara Dockyard is very important and commercially highly demanding. Scope of expansion is enough to enhance and accomplish under a Master Plan.
Bangladesh at present considered to be one of the most lucrative markets to the international shipbuilding industry for the very obvious reason of its low labor cost, skilled workers and less scope of shipbuilding facilities in terms of time and cost in the international shipbuilding industries. The way the industries are developing in Bangladesh there is no doubt that in near future it is going to be the highest contributor in our national economy. Since 15th century, Bangladesh started new Building with sailing ship. At present mainly engaged in inland coastal vessels it follows inland shipping ordinance 2001 similar to GL inland shipbuilding rules. 90% Inland Vessels are built locally, 10% imported from overseas. Raw materials and equipment from scrap yard or imported from overseas. Presently 6000 inland vessels from 50MT DWT – 2500DWT (Cargo, passenger, Tanker and Pontoons) are engaged in Carrying of Cargo about 45 Million MT annually through wide reverine coastline all around the country. Presently 80,000 skilled workers and 150,000 semi skilled workers are employed in shipbuilding with appx. 300 shipyards.
Since early 2000 Bangladesh started receiving orders from foreign owners. The country has the potential to contribute to the international Shipbuilding industry. Favorable government policies attracted many owners, professionals, and investors to open up a new horizon in the new building. Inshallah day’s are not far when this industry will run parallel or overtake other sectors.