Chittagong, 10 March 2011: Western Marine Shipyard in Chittagong has signed contract with Chittagong Boat Club for building a catamaran type passenger vessel. The keel laying ceremony for this newbuilding was held in Western Marine Shipyard Ltd, Patiya yesterday Wednesday, 09 March 2011. The Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Zahir Uddin Ahmed,(ND), ndc, psc had graced the occasion as the Chief guest. Dignitaries from all over the nation including high officials of Bangladesh Navy also attended the event.
This vessel will be operated by Western Marine Services Ltd in coastal &inland area within the Zone of Karnaphuli River & will also sail to Kutubdia during winter. The 30M long passenger ship is designed to accommodate 150 passengers.
The Chief Guest, Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zahir after visiting the shipyard highly admired the activity of Western Marine Shipyard. He said Khulna Shipyard under Bangladesh Navy is currently building 5 petrol boats for Bangladesh Navy. “So in this total management system, private companies like Western Marine could be a good choice for Bangladesh Navy’s newbuilding venture.” The Chairman of Western Marine Shipyard, Mr. Saiful Islam expressed his gratitude towards Bangladesh Navy & Ctg Boat Club for choosing Western Marine Shipyard to build this vessel. He assured the CNS & the members of the Boat Club that the vessel will be delivered on time maintaining highest quality. The Managing Director of Western Marine, Mr. Sakhawat Hossain stated the technical specification of this exclusive vessel & mentioned that the Govt of Bangladesh should come forward in building more of such vessel to transport passengers domestically, this will reduce the traffic density in our roads & highways, which is currently one of our major national crisis.
It must be mentioned that a catamaran is a twin hull passenger ship which comply highest safety measures. It is much upgraded in-terms of speed & luxury compared to other passenger vessels. Such new building in Bangladesh is a sign of emergence of exclusive shipbuilding in the country. The shipyard is expecting to deliver this ship by Jan 2012 & BDT 5 cr will be spent to construct this exclusive ship.
