The state-owned Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) is finally set to introduce four container vessels after nine years of taking an initiative to do so, said officials.
In 2009, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved a project in this regard. But contracts with the shipbuilders were signed five years later.
According to the officials, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the vessels officially through a video conference on June 03.
But it would take time to transport goods-laden containers by the vessels because of unavailability of necessary certificate from the classification society concerned.
BIWTC procured the container ships at a cost of Tk 1.51 billion as part of the government's plan to commercially activate the country's existing river routes and channels to achieve higher economic growth.
Among the vessels, the cost of two inland multipurpose container vessels, constructed by the Khulna Shipyard Limited, was Tk 751 million.
The cost of the remaining two vessels, manufactured by the Chittagong Dry Dock Limited, was Tk 751 million, according to the project configuration.
The BIWTC officials opined that the vessels would give impetus to the poor financial health of the corporation by increasing the capacity of its cargo service.
Project Director Engineer M A Gofur Sarkar said the Bangladesh Navy built these vessels for the corporation, and the capacity of each ship is 158 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).
He said the inclusion of the ships would certainly help the BIWTC increase its income through cargo shipment as well as reduce lead time and shipment costs of the businesses.
Mr Sarkar also expressed optimism that the corporation would make a turnaround in terms of its revenue income following procurement of the vessels.
However, when asked about the possible timeline for their sailing with goods, he said it would take some time.
They have not yet received certificate from the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) for engaging the vessels in international operations, he added.
Official statistics showed a significant decline in the earnings of the BIWTC by cargo shipment.
In the fiscal year (FY) 2014-15, the earning was around Tk 68 million that dropped to Tk 28 million and Tk 12 million in FY 16 and FY 17 respectively.
When contacted, BIWTC Chairman Mohammed Mafizul Haque said the major portion of the country's trades is done with China and India through marine channel.
But from Chittagong or Mongla ports, the businesses have to rely on road-based transportation due to unavailability of enough container-carrying ships despite having some inland container terminals, he also said.
"I hope the situation will change, and activities of the inland container terminals will increase, which will provide respite to the businesses as well."
He also called upon the businesses to keep their trust on the corporation as far as transportation costs and shipment deadlines are concerned.
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