In a milestone for Bangladesh’s export-driven manufacturing sector, Western Marine Shipyard Limited officially handed over three state-of-the-art landing crafts to Marwan Shipping Limited, a prominent UAE-based maritime company, in a ceremony held today on the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram on Thursday.
The vessels – Maya, SMS Amy, and Muna – were delivered at the newly commissioned Maya berth, marking the third batch of ships under an eight-vessel contract signed with Marwan Shipping in 2023. The order includes two tugboats, four landing crafts, and two tankers – all designed for specialised marine operations.
The landing crafts, built to international maritime standards, are slated for use in transporting heavy equipment and logistics support in the offshore marine energy sector – a rapidly growing niche in global energy infrastructure.
A strategic export win for Bangladesh
The delivery underscores Bangladesh’s growing credibility as a competitive, high-quality shipbuilder capable of serving demanding international clients. The UAE’s continued trust in Western Marine – now with six vessels delivered since January 2025 (including earlier handovers of Rayan, Khalid, and Ghaya) – signals deepening bilateral commercial ties between Bangladesh and the Gulf.
UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh, Abdullah Ali Abdullah Alhamoudi, praised the partnership during the ceremony: “This commercial partnership between Western Marine and Marwan Shipping reflects the deepening trust and collaboration between our two nations. It is a testament to Bangladesh’s growing capabilities in high-quality shipbuilding, and we look forward to many more vessels sailing from Chittagong to the UAE – strengthening our economic ties and mutual prosperity.”
Diversifying beyond RMG: The shipbuilding revolution
The event also highlighted Bangladesh’s strategic pivot toward export diversification – a national priority as the country seeks to reduce its overwhelming reliance on RMG exports, which still account for over 80% of total exports.
Abdur Rahim Khan, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), emphasised the broader economic significance: “Western Marine Shipyard has long been a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s shipbuilding industry, playing a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s efforts to diversify its export base beyond garments and into high-value, technology-driven manufacturing sectors.”
A vision for global shipbuilding leadership
Western Marine’s Chairman, Saiful Islam, called the sector a “hidden engine of economic transformation.”
“We must diversify beyond traditional exports and explore high-potential sectors like shipbuilding – a labour-intensive, technology-driven industry with immense foreign exchange potential. By investing in this sector, Bangladesh can not only create skilled employment but also establish itself as a reliable global supplier, earning substantial foreign currency and reducing overreliance on a single export basket,” he said.
Managing Director Captain Sohel Hasan pointed to global market dynamics as a catalyst: “We possess a highly skilled and growing workforce in shipbuilding, and global demand for new vessels is rising rapidly – particularly as many traditional shipbuilding nations face severe labour shortages. This presents a unique opportunity for Bangladesh to emerge as a competitive, reliable player in the international maritime market.”
Track record: 36 ships, $138 million in exports
Since its inception, Western Marine has delivered 36 vessels to 11 countries, generating over $138 million in export revenue. The company now operates one of the most modern shipyards in South Asia, equipped with advanced welding, CNC cutting, and marine propulsion systems.
The latest delivery of three landing crafts adds to a growing portfolio that includes vessels for the UAE, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and the Maldives – all built to Class Society and IMO standards.
The road ahead: Scaling up with policy support
Industry experts say Western Marine’s success offers a blueprint. To replicate this model across Bangladesh, they urge the government to: Establish a National Shipbuilding Development Fund with low-interest, long-term loans, offer export incentives and tax holidays for shipbuilding exporters.
Create vocational training academies in coastal districts to produce certified welders, marine engineers, and naval architects.