The government has taken up a project involving over Tk 3.70 billion (370 crore) for safety of maritime system, officials said.
The project titled "Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and Integrated Maritime Navigation System (EGIMNS)" initiated by the ministry of shipping (MoS) in 2014, will be completed in December, 2016.
"The project (GMDSS) will help ensure maritime security," Dr SM Nazmul Huq, project director told the FE Sunday. He said the department of shipping is the implementing orgnanisation of the project.
The objectives of the project include establishment of seven light houses and coastal radio stations through 'key- turn method' in the coastal areas of the country. Besides, one command and control centre will be built in Dhaka to maintain 24- hour communication with the ships that will ensure maritime security and strengthen surveillance.
Earlier on March 11, 2014 the ECNEC approved the project. The DoS has signed an agreement with ANSE Technologies Company Limited of the Republic of Korea for consultancy of the project on May 29, 2014.
As per the agreement, the consultancy firm will finalise the basic designs for command and control centre at Agargaon in the capital and other seven radio stations, light house tower, setting up of machineries, light house tower, project office and residential facility for the employees of the project.
The consultancy firm carried out survey in Dhaka, Cox's Bazar, Kuwakata in Patuakhali, Saint Martin's and Kutubdia of Cox's Bazar, Hatia (Nizhum Dwip) in Noakhali, Dhalchar (Char Fashion) in Bhola and Sawran Khola (Dublar Char) in Patuakhali from October 2, 2014 to November 3, 2014 and submitted its sites survey report to the department of shipping on November 25, 2014 and basic design report on December 22, 2014 to DoS, according to the department of shipping.
The official said Cox's Bazar sadar, Kutubdia and Teknaf (Saint Martin's) of the district, Hatia in Noakhali and Charfashion in Bhola are the project sites. He said a total of 8.45 hectares of land at Nizhum Dwip, Dhal Char, Dublar Char and Kuakata have already been acquired for setting up light house and radio stations.
Mr Huq said the successful implementation of the project will fulfil the obligations under international conventions by establishing and operating shore based facility on maritime safety, security, surveillance, navigational aids and communication system including command and control centre.
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