DHAKA: The MV Bashundhara Logistics–21, a new cargo vessel and first formal production of Bashundhara Steel and Engineering Limited (BSEL), an enterprise of Bashundhara Group, set sail Sunday on trial run.

The 1800 dead-weight-tonnage coastal cargo craft was built using local
resources and workforce under the expert supervision of the United Naval
Architect, a private firm affiliated with reputed shipbuilders
worldwide.

It is claimed to be the first-ever locally made marine vessel that
complied with all specifications and requirements of Mercantile Marine Department and acquired bay-crossing certification from the
authorities concerned under the K-20 provisions of the government.

The MV Bashundhara Logistics–21 first set out from the BSEL shipyard spillways at Kaotail in Narayanganj after a simple ceremony. Another coastal vessel of similar type is likely to go on its maiden voyage in a month or two.

An official of the BSEL said more than a dozen coastal vessels of
even larger tonnage would soon be built. “We like to be a leader in
shipbuilding industry,” said Executive Director of the BSEL Captain (Retd)
Ruhul Amin said.

The recently built Bashundhara Logistics – 21 will initially be engaged for
carrying cement to different destinations in the country from Meghna
Cement Mills Limited, another enterprise of the big business group, at Mongla in Khulna.

Member-enterprises of the Bashundhara Group, mostly located in Narayanganj, Khulna, Chittagong and Manikganj, currently depend on the marine fleets of other companies what will be relocated to the company’s own fleet of vessels as soon as the vessels are ready for operation.

BDST: 1930HRS, AUG 8, 2010