Modern Marine Technology in Bangladesh
1. Introduction
Bangladesh has a strong background in building ships since ancient times. Present shipbuilding industry of Bangladesh is based on its history of building boats and sea vessels. Having many rivers and a great sea area Bangladesh was the center of building ocean-going vessels in Asia between the 15th and 17th century. In the early 19th century, the shipyards of Chittagong built many commercial ships of up to 1,000 tons. As a sequel of these histories now Bangladesh is having more than 200 shipbuilding and ship-repair yards. Among those 22 are known internationally, and all these were not possible without the help of modern marine technology.
2. History of Development in Marine Technology in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is a maritime nation with 166,000 sq. km area of sea, abundance with living and nonliving resources. There are more than 200 rivers all around the country, with a total length of about 22,155 km, which occupy about 11% of total area of the country. Here rivers and water transports play a vital role for economic and commercial activities of Bangladesh. Major export and import of Bangladesh (about 85%) is also traveled by sea. At present more than 5,000 inland/coastal ships have been plying all over the country, which carry more than 90% of total oil product, 70% of cargo and 35% of passengers. More than 100,000 skilled workers and 150,000 semi-skilled workers are employed in this labor intensive industry. All inland ships are constructed and repaired in local shipyards. Bangladesh harbor is the second largest ship breaking industries in the world. They are the prime source of raw material including plate, frame, stiffener, longitudinal, pipe, old engine/generator, and even auxiliary machinery, for most of the local private shipbuilding yards. Those are used as raw material in manufacturing and repairing inland shipping fleet.
There are hundreds of shipyards and workshops in Bangladesh of which 124 have been reported to be registered with the Department of Shipping. Out of these shipyards, approximately 70% are located in and around Dhaka and Narayangong along the side of the river bank of Buriganga, Shitalakha and Meghna. About 20% shipyards of Chittagong division are located along the side of Karnapuli river and 6% are located along the bank of Poshur river of Khulna division and remaining 4% are located in Barishal division. Almost all inland/coastal/bay crossing ships are constructed and repaired locally in these local shipyards. Private indigenous Bangladeshi shipyards are mainly constructing steel ships that are suitable for inland and coastal water. They can design and fabricate ship up to 3500 DWT to fulfill the demand of local market. The medium and small private inland shipyards are operating under individual management, with minor supervision of government.
Table 1.1: Ship Yard Working in Bangladesh
District........................................ Ship Yards.......................................... River
Dhaka, Narayangong ....................... 70%............................... Buriganga, Shitalokkha
Chittagong ......................................... 20% .........................................Karnaphuli
Khulna ................................................. 6% ............................................. Poshur
Barishal .............................................. 4% .............................................. Meghna
2.1 Shipyards in Bangladesh
There are total 22 established Shipyards in Bangladesh. The names are as below.
Bangladesh has a strong background in building ships since ancient times. Present shipbuilding industry of Bangladesh is based on its history of building boats and sea vessels. Having many rivers and a great sea area Bangladesh was the center of building ocean-going vessels in Asia between the 15th and 17th century. In the early 19th century, the shipyards of Chittagong built many commercial ships of up to 1,000 tons. As a sequel of these histories now Bangladesh is having more than 200 shipbuilding and ship-repair yards. Among those 22 are known internationally, and all these were not possible without the help of modern marine technology.
2. History of Development in Marine Technology in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is a maritime nation with 166,000 sq. km area of sea, abundance with living and nonliving resources. There are more than 200 rivers all around the country, with a total length of about 22,155 km, which occupy about 11% of total area of the country. Here rivers and water transports play a vital role for economic and commercial activities of Bangladesh. Major export and import of Bangladesh (about 85%) is also traveled by sea. At present more than 5,000 inland/coastal ships have been plying all over the country, which carry more than 90% of total oil product, 70% of cargo and 35% of passengers. More than 100,000 skilled workers and 150,000 semi-skilled workers are employed in this labor intensive industry. All inland ships are constructed and repaired in local shipyards. Bangladesh harbor is the second largest ship breaking industries in the world. They are the prime source of raw material including plate, frame, stiffener, longitudinal, pipe, old engine/generator, and even auxiliary machinery, for most of the local private shipbuilding yards. Those are used as raw material in manufacturing and repairing inland shipping fleet.
There are hundreds of shipyards and workshops in Bangladesh of which 124 have been reported to be registered with the Department of Shipping. Out of these shipyards, approximately 70% are located in and around Dhaka and Narayangong along the side of the river bank of Buriganga, Shitalakha and Meghna. About 20% shipyards of Chittagong division are located along the side of Karnapuli river and 6% are located along the bank of Poshur river of Khulna division and remaining 4% are located in Barishal division. Almost all inland/coastal/bay crossing ships are constructed and repaired locally in these local shipyards. Private indigenous Bangladeshi shipyards are mainly constructing steel ships that are suitable for inland and coastal water. They can design and fabricate ship up to 3500 DWT to fulfill the demand of local market. The medium and small private inland shipyards are operating under individual management, with minor supervision of government.
Table 1.1: Ship Yard Working in Bangladesh
District........................................ Ship Yards.......................................... River
Dhaka, Narayangong ....................... 70%............................... Buriganga, Shitalokkha
Chittagong ......................................... 20% .........................................Karnaphuli
Khulna ................................................. 6% ............................................. Poshur
Barishal .............................................. 4% .............................................. Meghna
2.1 Shipyards in Bangladesh
There are total 22 established Shipyards in Bangladesh. The names are as below.
- Three Angle Marine Limited
- Ocean Shipbuilders Limited
- Khulna Shipyard
- DESH Shipbuilding & Engineering Ltd.
- Dockyard and Engineering Works Ltd, Narayanganj.
- Three Angle Marine Limited
- Ananda Shipyard and Shipways
- Highspeed Shipbuilding
- T.K Shipyard Limited
- FMC Dockyard Limited
- Western Marine Shipyard
- FMC Dockyard Limited
- Khan Brothers Shipbuilding
- Karnaphuli Shipyard
- Meghna Shipbuilders & Dockyard Ltd.
- Bashundhara Steel & Engineering Ltd.
- Dhaka Dockyard & Engineering Works – Dhaka, Bangladesh
- HossainDockYard And Engineering Works
- SouthMarineDockYard And ShipBuilders
- Western Fishers Shipyard Ltd
- Narayangonj Engineering & Shipbuilding Ltd
- Taratari shipyard
Among all these notable Shipyards are described below in short notes.
2.1.1 Three Angle Marine Limited
Three Angle Marine Limited,situated in Munsigonjis specialised in the design and construction of various types of vessels in both the private and public sectors. In 2010Three Angle Marine Limited started constructions and repair of different types of conventional and non-conventional ships. It is specialized in the following sector.
Khulna Shipyard Limited is an independent Government commercial enterprise under Ministry of Defense, Government of Bangladesh, operated by Bangladesh Navy. The Shipyard works directly under the Naval Head Quarter. In 1957 it started the journey with the objective to build and repair ships of various clients, for defense, coast guard, oil-company, ports, BIWTC, BIWTA and manufacture engineering parts to support other industries.Bangladesh Navy took over the responsibilities ofKhulna Shipyard Limited in 1999. At present its docking facilities can accommodate a good no. of ships at a time for repair or new building.Khulna Shipyard Limited has the following services.
2.1.3 DESH Shipbuilding & Engineering Ltd
DESH Shipbuilding & Engineering Ltd established in 2008 builds specialized Aluminium ships. It is situated in Bhatiary of Sitakunda, Chittagong. The shipyard is capable of building Aluminum ship of any size, which includes pilot vessel, offshore supply vessel, pleasure boat, cruise ship, patrol boat, ambulance ship and others. The shipyard has recently recruited certified aluminum welders.
2.1.4 Dockyard and Engineering Works Ltd
Dockyard and Engineering Works Limited, Narayanganj (DEW) Ltd is the oldest dockyard/shipyard in the Indian subcontinent and it has the glorious history of ship building and repair work. It was established in 1926 on the eastern bank of river Shitalakkha, Narayanganj. It has great historical evidence for new building of vessel like, Ro Ro Ferry, Survey Boat, Tanker, Launch, Tug, Coaster, Landing Craft and numerous type & class of vessel for Navy, Army, Coast Guard, BIWTA, BIWTC, CPA, MPA and many other private organizations. Presently high speed aluminum patrol boat for Bangladesh Coast Guard is building for the first time in Bangladesh shipbuilding history.
2.1.5 Western Marine Shipyard
Western Marine Shipyard is the leading shipbuilder in the country situated in the eastern bank of river Karnaphuli in Chittagong. More than five hundred professionals are working in the shipyard including marine, mechanical, electrical engineers, naval architects & experts on other fields. They have achieved remarkable international orders of shipbuilding in recent years including MP vessel, Ice-class Container Vessel, Floating Reception Vessel, passenger Vessels. They have built more than 60 ships for coastal & inland use & newbuilding of more than 30 ships are in progress which includes deep sea fishing trawlers, port utility vessels, tugs, inland container ships, inland tankers & passenger ships. Recently they have signed contract for building one aluminum body passenger ship for Tanzania.
2.1.6 Karnafuly Ship Builders Limited
Karnafuly Ship Builders Limited (KSBL) was established in 1994 for repair and construction of ships. It has 2 slipways and a fully equipped Marine workshop.It is situated on the southern bank of the river of Karnaphuly, Chittagong. It has the capacity to dock 2 vessels upto 350 feet in length at a time. 27 ships like Ocean Going Tugboats, Fishing trawlers, Tankers, Pontoon and water bus etc. were newly built by Karnafuly Ship Builders Limited. The management of KSBL has formed a company named KARNAPHULY SHIPYARD (PVT.) LIMITED with the intention of 100% export oriented ship construction. The management and technical persons will remain same as KSBL.
3. Definition of Marine Technology
Marine technology is defined by WEGEMT as “technologies for safe use, exploitation, protection and intervention in the marine environment”. In this regard, hydrodynamics, navigation, sea surface and sub-surface support, underwater technology and engineering, marine resources(including both renewable and non-renewable marine resources), transport logistics and economics, inland coastal, short sea and dead sea shipping, protection at the marine environment, leisure and safety. According to WEGEMT, the technologies involved in marine are the following- naval architecture, marine engineering, ship designing, ship building and ship operations, oil and gas exploration, exploitation and protection.
4. Marine Technologies in Bangladesh
Technology is a key to the achievement of developing and managing objectives across the entire marine sector. It is also a sector capable of generating high value commercial products and services. Till now BD has largely been an importer of MT (structures, equipment and instruments). This arises both from the historical under development of the marine sector including the traditional/associated engineering, industries and from the absence of a high tech defense industry. The potential nonexistence creates a new, knowledge-intensive industry sector competing in the growing international market.
2.1.1 Three Angle Marine Limited
Three Angle Marine Limited,situated in Munsigonjis specialised in the design and construction of various types of vessels in both the private and public sectors. In 2010Three Angle Marine Limited started constructions and repair of different types of conventional and non-conventional ships. It is specialized in the following sector.
- New Building
- Modification
- Docking
- Repair of vessels
Khulna Shipyard Limited is an independent Government commercial enterprise under Ministry of Defense, Government of Bangladesh, operated by Bangladesh Navy. The Shipyard works directly under the Naval Head Quarter. In 1957 it started the journey with the objective to build and repair ships of various clients, for defense, coast guard, oil-company, ports, BIWTC, BIWTA and manufacture engineering parts to support other industries.Bangladesh Navy took over the responsibilities ofKhulna Shipyard Limited in 1999. At present its docking facilities can accommodate a good no. of ships at a time for repair or new building.Khulna Shipyard Limited has the following services.
- Ship building
- Ship repairs
- General Engineering
2.1.3 DESH Shipbuilding & Engineering Ltd
DESH Shipbuilding & Engineering Ltd established in 2008 builds specialized Aluminium ships. It is situated in Bhatiary of Sitakunda, Chittagong. The shipyard is capable of building Aluminum ship of any size, which includes pilot vessel, offshore supply vessel, pleasure boat, cruise ship, patrol boat, ambulance ship and others. The shipyard has recently recruited certified aluminum welders.
2.1.4 Dockyard and Engineering Works Ltd
Dockyard and Engineering Works Limited, Narayanganj (DEW) Ltd is the oldest dockyard/shipyard in the Indian subcontinent and it has the glorious history of ship building and repair work. It was established in 1926 on the eastern bank of river Shitalakkha, Narayanganj. It has great historical evidence for new building of vessel like, Ro Ro Ferry, Survey Boat, Tanker, Launch, Tug, Coaster, Landing Craft and numerous type & class of vessel for Navy, Army, Coast Guard, BIWTA, BIWTC, CPA, MPA and many other private organizations. Presently high speed aluminum patrol boat for Bangladesh Coast Guard is building for the first time in Bangladesh shipbuilding history.
2.1.5 Western Marine Shipyard
Western Marine Shipyard is the leading shipbuilder in the country situated in the eastern bank of river Karnaphuli in Chittagong. More than five hundred professionals are working in the shipyard including marine, mechanical, electrical engineers, naval architects & experts on other fields. They have achieved remarkable international orders of shipbuilding in recent years including MP vessel, Ice-class Container Vessel, Floating Reception Vessel, passenger Vessels. They have built more than 60 ships for coastal & inland use & newbuilding of more than 30 ships are in progress which includes deep sea fishing trawlers, port utility vessels, tugs, inland container ships, inland tankers & passenger ships. Recently they have signed contract for building one aluminum body passenger ship for Tanzania.
2.1.6 Karnafuly Ship Builders Limited
Karnafuly Ship Builders Limited (KSBL) was established in 1994 for repair and construction of ships. It has 2 slipways and a fully equipped Marine workshop.It is situated on the southern bank of the river of Karnaphuly, Chittagong. It has the capacity to dock 2 vessels upto 350 feet in length at a time. 27 ships like Ocean Going Tugboats, Fishing trawlers, Tankers, Pontoon and water bus etc. were newly built by Karnafuly Ship Builders Limited. The management of KSBL has formed a company named KARNAPHULY SHIPYARD (PVT.) LIMITED with the intention of 100% export oriented ship construction. The management and technical persons will remain same as KSBL.
3. Definition of Marine Technology
Marine technology is defined by WEGEMT as “technologies for safe use, exploitation, protection and intervention in the marine environment”. In this regard, hydrodynamics, navigation, sea surface and sub-surface support, underwater technology and engineering, marine resources(including both renewable and non-renewable marine resources), transport logistics and economics, inland coastal, short sea and dead sea shipping, protection at the marine environment, leisure and safety. According to WEGEMT, the technologies involved in marine are the following- naval architecture, marine engineering, ship designing, ship building and ship operations, oil and gas exploration, exploitation and protection.
4. Marine Technologies in Bangladesh
Technology is a key to the achievement of developing and managing objectives across the entire marine sector. It is also a sector capable of generating high value commercial products and services. Till now BD has largely been an importer of MT (structures, equipment and instruments). This arises both from the historical under development of the marine sector including the traditional/associated engineering, industries and from the absence of a high tech defense industry. The potential nonexistence creates a new, knowledge-intensive industry sector competing in the growing international market.
5. Advancement of Ship Design Technology in Bangladesh
5.1 Advances in ship design
5.2 Advanced Marine Technology in Ship Building in Bangladesh
The technologies used in our shipbuilding industries are:
5.2.1 Welding Technology
Welding is a process which permanently joins two materials through localized coalescence from suitable combination of temperature, pressure, and metallurgical conditions. Welding finds its applications in ships, submarines, pressure vessels, off shores, storage tanks, oil gas and water pipelines. Welding is one of principle activities in modern ship building and offshore industry.
5.2.1.1. Some Advanced Welding Projects
The focus of the advanced materials is on innovation of Materials of high quality and reproducibility, with superior properties for potential application. The choice of the optimum material depends on its later use and the requirements associated with this. Corrosion resisting materials have become widely accepted for chemical and gas tankers.
5.2.3 Chemical Technology
The Chemical based Technologies support research that involves the development and commercialization of processes. Chemical technologies which are used in ship production industry specially are dying, electrochemical application, fluid flow applications and combustion related process.
5.1 Advances in ship design
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is now used for most ship design projects .The improved accuracy of CFD now enables the use of CFD for hull resistance and powering prediction. CFD is also useful for the analysis of many other ship design fluid dynamics problems.
- Finite element analysis (FEA) is used for all detailed stress analysis problems. Improved modeling tool is used for more rapid analysis.
- 3D modeling using CAD enables a more accurate model of the ship to be developed earlier in the design process .Integration with other design software improves design efficiency and accuracy.
5.2 Advanced Marine Technology in Ship Building in Bangladesh
The technologies used in our shipbuilding industries are:
5.2.1 Welding Technology
Welding is a process which permanently joins two materials through localized coalescence from suitable combination of temperature, pressure, and metallurgical conditions. Welding finds its applications in ships, submarines, pressure vessels, off shores, storage tanks, oil gas and water pipelines. Welding is one of principle activities in modern ship building and offshore industry.
5.2.1.1. Some Advanced Welding Projects
- One sided and two sided groove welding- variable balance alternating current submerged arc welding (SAW) with metal cored electrodes.
- High speed fillet welding with SAW
- Qualification of variable balance AC SAW procedures to ABS and NAVSEA
- Evaluation of advanced GMAW and distortion mitigation techniques.
The focus of the advanced materials is on innovation of Materials of high quality and reproducibility, with superior properties for potential application. The choice of the optimum material depends on its later use and the requirements associated with this. Corrosion resisting materials have become widely accepted for chemical and gas tankers.
5.2.3 Chemical Technology
The Chemical based Technologies support research that involves the development and commercialization of processes. Chemical technologies which are used in ship production industry specially are dying, electrochemical application, fluid flow applications and combustion related process.
5.3 Modern Navigational Technology
Navigation is the process of monitoring and controlling the movement of a craft or vehicle from one place to another. It is also the term of art used for the specialized knowledge used by navigators to perform navigation tasks. All navigational techniques involve locating the navigator's position compared to known locations.
Most modern navigation relies primarily on positions determined electronically by receivers collecting information from satellites. A bearing is a measure of the direction to an object. If the navigator measures the direction in real life, the angle can then be drawn on a nautical chart and the navigator will be on that line on the chart.
5.4 Marine Propulsion System
Marine propulsion is the mechanism or system used to generate thrust to move a ship or boat across water. While paddles and sails are still used on some smaller boats, most modern ships are propelled by mechanical systems consisting a motor or engine.
Steam engines were the first mechanical engines used in marine propulsion, but have mostly been replaced by two-stroke or four-stroke diesel engines, outboard motors, and gas turbine engines on faster ships.
Nuclear reactors producing steam are used to propel warships and icebreakers, and there have been attempts to utilize them to power commercial vessels. Electric motors have been used on submarines and electric boats and have been proposed for energy-efficient propulsion.
5.5 Marine Engines
5.5.1 Marine automobile engine
Marine automobile engines are petrol or diesel engines that have been specifically modified for use in the marine environment. The differences include changes made for the operation in a marine environment. The act of modifying is called Marinization.
5.5.2 Gas Turbine
A gas turbine is also called a combustion turbine is a type of internal combustion engine. It has an upstream rotating compressor coupled to a downstream turbine, and a combustion chamber in-between.
Navigation is the process of monitoring and controlling the movement of a craft or vehicle from one place to another. It is also the term of art used for the specialized knowledge used by navigators to perform navigation tasks. All navigational techniques involve locating the navigator's position compared to known locations.
Most modern navigation relies primarily on positions determined electronically by receivers collecting information from satellites. A bearing is a measure of the direction to an object. If the navigator measures the direction in real life, the angle can then be drawn on a nautical chart and the navigator will be on that line on the chart.
5.4 Marine Propulsion System
Marine propulsion is the mechanism or system used to generate thrust to move a ship or boat across water. While paddles and sails are still used on some smaller boats, most modern ships are propelled by mechanical systems consisting a motor or engine.
Steam engines were the first mechanical engines used in marine propulsion, but have mostly been replaced by two-stroke or four-stroke diesel engines, outboard motors, and gas turbine engines on faster ships.
Nuclear reactors producing steam are used to propel warships and icebreakers, and there have been attempts to utilize them to power commercial vessels. Electric motors have been used on submarines and electric boats and have been proposed for energy-efficient propulsion.
5.5 Marine Engines
5.5.1 Marine automobile engine
Marine automobile engines are petrol or diesel engines that have been specifically modified for use in the marine environment. The differences include changes made for the operation in a marine environment. The act of modifying is called Marinization.
5.5.2 Gas Turbine
A gas turbine is also called a combustion turbine is a type of internal combustion engine. It has an upstream rotating compressor coupled to a downstream turbine, and a combustion chamber in-between.
6. The future of Marine Technologies
Many of the world's potential renewable energy resources are marine energy, the Energy contained in various forms in the world's seas and oceans. Wave power and systems that can exploit the movement of water generated by the tides are attracting the most attention.
Today, these are generally more costly than alternative forms of power generation, both conventional and renewable. However the example of the wind power market shows that costs can fall dramatically as technology improves. Some early predictions suggest that some marine technologies might be cheaper than wind power.
6.1 Marine & Hydrokinetic Technologies
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Program supports the development of advanced water power devices that capture energy from waves, tides, ocean currents, rivers, streams, and ocean thermal gradients. The program works to promote the development and deployment of these new technologies, known as marine and hydrokinetic technologies, to assess the potential extractable energy from rivers and coastal waters, and to help industry harness this renewable, emissions-free resource to generate environmentally sustainable and cost-effective electricity.
7. Products of Advanced Marine Technologies in Bangladesh
Using the above technologies and some other technologies different shipyard of BD build many vessels.
Some of them are:
Many of the world's potential renewable energy resources are marine energy, the Energy contained in various forms in the world's seas and oceans. Wave power and systems that can exploit the movement of water generated by the tides are attracting the most attention.
Today, these are generally more costly than alternative forms of power generation, both conventional and renewable. However the example of the wind power market shows that costs can fall dramatically as technology improves. Some early predictions suggest that some marine technologies might be cheaper than wind power.
6.1 Marine & Hydrokinetic Technologies
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Program supports the development of advanced water power devices that capture energy from waves, tides, ocean currents, rivers, streams, and ocean thermal gradients. The program works to promote the development and deployment of these new technologies, known as marine and hydrokinetic technologies, to assess the potential extractable energy from rivers and coastal waters, and to help industry harness this renewable, emissions-free resource to generate environmentally sustainable and cost-effective electricity.
7. Products of Advanced Marine Technologies in Bangladesh
Using the above technologies and some other technologies different shipyard of BD build many vessels.
Some of them are:
- Stella Moon
- Stella Maris
- ENZIAN
- EMSWAVE
- Weas Grain
- EMSSEA
- EMSRIVER
- BAYCLEANER etc.
8. Obstacles for Using Modern Technology in Ship Building in Bangladesh
In spite of enormous possibilities of expanding shipbuilding industry in Bangladesh there are also some problems. These existing problems of this sector may be categorized in the following broad headings:
- Financial problem
- Technical problem
- Infrastructure problem
- Marketing problem
- Management problem
- Human Resource Development problem
- Quality control problem
- Delay delivery problem
- Pricing problem
- Safety, health, and environmental aspect
- Economic recession and its effect on Bangladeshi shipbuilding
- Some special problems
Shipbuilding is capital and labor intensive industry. The local commercial banks are notindividually capable of making required investment in this industry. Besides, consortium financing is the consuming and a complex process, which is not so favorable for making investment in this sector. There is no standard framework for forming consortium and as a result when a shipbuilding contract is obtained, the time lag of securing finance by forming consortium kills the contract. There is dearth of capital and investment especially when thescale of investment is to the tune of 1 to 10 billion or more because of the risk is considered too high for both the entrepreneurs and bankers. As a results, productivity expansion and export promotion are being impeded. High rate of interest is applied on industrial andworking capital loan. Existing rate of interest, ranging from 12% to 16% for industrial and working capital loans, is not suitable for the development of this sector. Whereas 7% rate of interest on export credit is prevailing for other export sectors like readymade garment sector.
8.2. Technical Problem
There is insufficiency in the number of ancillary industries to support the shipbuilding industry as backward linkage by providing service and supplying ships’ components. The local shipyards are having lack of research and development (R&D), which ultimately fail to bring about any innovation and technological development for price competitiveness in international ship markets. At present Bangladesh is not working in the field of ship design, though skilled manpower is available. As a result, lack of adequate and expert design firms and expertise in design are an impediment for high value added product. Moreover, most of the local shipyards are lacking of modern shipbuilding tools, machineries and technology. At the same time lack of expert machine operators is found in the most local shipyards. Local shipyards owner consider every human resource development program as money drain, not gain. That’s why they are maintaining poor raining facilities of the technical personnel. Despite long heritage, Bangladesh has failed to keep pace with consistency with the continuous technological development of global shipbuilding industry. Bangladesh does not produce inert gases. Therefore production with aluminum and other similar works suffer. Importation of inert gases is insufficient and schedule of evil planned for monopoly profiting. Lack of model testing and other facilities in Bangladesh also matter. The age of the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering in Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology is 43 years. Towing tank was expected by the Department since its establishment. But the hope has never seen the light. NDT and Design Lab facilities are also poor in every institutions and shipyards around Bangladesh.
8.3. Infrastructure Problem
Access to the rivers and sea, that is, foreshore for shipbuilding entrepreneur is restricted by bureaucracy problem like unfriendly attitude of the administration toward local shipbuilding. Impositions of foreshore charges, which are abnormally high as well as the charges on erected installations such as service jetty, etc. are also high and in some cases duplicate charges are imposed. The lack of electricity and gas supply is a major impediment which hinders the setting up of shipbuilding industries in Bangladesh. Most of the shipyards are located in and around Dhaka, far away from the sea. This is not a good approach to develop shipyards for building sea going vessels. The rivers and channels are frequently silted. It is very difficult to maintain channel for desired level of navigability for ships maneuver. The restricted draught (Maximum 4.0 to 4.5 Meters) is the limitation to the size of a ship that can be built in these shipyards. Bridges and overhead cables may induce new restriction to the ship size that may be built in a shipyards located in the hinterland. There is no adequate backup industry to produce required standard of MS plate need for ship construction.
8.4. Marketing Problem
Bankers, stakeholders, custom house, foreign affair departments, government monitoring and regulating bodies, etc. are not fully aware of the local shipbuilding industry. There is a lack of activities to promote Bangladesh as a shipbuilding nation. One of the bottlenecks in ship construction in Bangladesh is the current lacking of convenience for procurement of material, machineries and equipment. There are no organized manufacturing plants for manufacturing the components. Information on prospective overseas buyers is not made easily available. In 21st century, all countries will be considered as global village due to the effect of globalization. Now good reputation is extremely required for export oriented shipyards to sustain in the international business arena. So buyer’s interest should be given utmost importance. Unfortunately local shipyards fail to give due value to the foreign customers. Foreign ship’s owners and their representatives have some reasonable complains about behavior and attitude of local shipyards It is observed that when a difference of opinion crops up, an embassy in Bangladesh takes the side of ships’ buyers and influence the situation. On the other hand, under similar circumstances a Bangladeshi mission abroad does not take care of the Bangladeshi builders. Bangladesh shipbuilders have few such bitter experiences.
8.5. Management Problem
Most of the local shipyards do not follow corporate management culture. Family members and friends occupy the important managerial appointment like director, executive committee member etc. of the local shipyards. Such family and friend management culture is one of the hindrances to the development of the industry and also will not commensurate with international arena. Poor communication between upward and downward grid in the managerial chain exists. Middle management neither enjoys any financial authority nor decision-making process (with little exception in few shipyards). As a result, poor command and control as well as negligible dedication of the employees toward the organization observed. Most of the local shipyards practice one man show management culture. Every decision comes from owner as per his/her desire and wish. Many of the owners do not care about the welfare of the employees. So poor job satisfaction observed in most of the shipyards and employees do not feel belongingness to the organization. As a result huge absenteeism and turnover of labors and skilled manpower observed. Workforce never enjoys fringe benefit and other labor welfare activities like medical, pension, travel and daily allowance, accident and other compensation etc. Most of the labors are employed in casual basis.
8.6. Human Resource Development Problem
The number of available graduates, skilled supervisors, foreman, specialized welders, cutters, fitters, machine operators and other technical skilled manpower that are required for shipbuilding and allied industries are far less than the minimum requirement. Substantial number of skilled manpower leaves the country for overseas employment as there is inadequate number of shipyards in the country. The local shipyards lack of dedicated human resource department. Government also does not have long-term vision as well as accomplishing her mission for human resource development for the country. In fact, everything is running in Bangladesh on ad-hoc basis.
8.7. Quality Control Problem
Lack of quality control groups and their work and capability are in question. A number of questions against them are raised by the foreign ship owners or by their representatives. But many of the local shipyard owners are failed to satisfy them. Shipyards must remember that quality accelerate entire process to get the next contract. Lack of sincerity of workers due to poor job satisfaction and working environment limits the opportunity of further development. Safety is a long-term investment. Though the initial cost for safety assurance may be high, the gain in the long run is accumulative and it adds to the quality. Bangladesh has to be competitive with the other shipyards around the world. Government may sponsor benchmarking activities.
9. Conclusion
The world’s modern shipbuilding industry is depending upon technologies. Building many ships by the use of modern marine technologies and exporting those Bangladesh has proved her potentiality. It is a promising industry of Bangladesh now. And Bangladesh has that potential to keep pace with the shipbuilding countries like China, Japan and South Korea if we can ensure that our technologies are always modern. So with an aim to make our shipbuilding industry a successful one we need to use many more technologies in our marine sector.
10. Recommendations
Though Bangladesh uses many modern technologies, still a long way is there to go to reach a world class level in shipbuilding.
Depending on the situations and opportunities we can recommend the following steps to increase the use technologies in our marine sector.
- Using laser welding will reduce risks for workers.
- Introducing floating docks will make ship building and launching easier.
- Various simulators can be used to test various limitations of a new ship.
- Automated profile cutting robots to reduce the amount of manpower required.
- Modern navigational equipment can be installed in ships to increase the demand of our ships.
Prepared by
- Captain Monjurul Haque Khan
- Sub Lieutenant Tauhid Ahmed, (E) BN
- Sub Lieutenant Md. Eltas Uddin, (E) BN
- Sub Lieutenant Anwarul Karim Sami, (E) BN
© 2014 by Tauhid Ahmed.