Bangladesh has taken a step toward transforming its maritime sector by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Gentium and Damen Shipyards Group to establish a shipbuilding and repair industry.
The MoU was signed by the country’s Ministry of Industry at a ceremony in the capital Dhaka. Present were members of The Netherlands’ Embassy in Bangladesh.
In a statement, Gentium-Damen said the parties will undertake a number of tasks as part of the deal. The first will be the establishment of a shipbuilding and repair facility built to globally recognized environmental and building standards.
The ultimate goal will be to make the facility sufficient for the construction and delivery of seagoing vessels able to compete in the global marketplace.
For their part, Gentium-Damen will facilitate a transfer of technology and knowledge to help Bangladesh personnel develop the skills required to serve the international maritime industry.
Area Director Asia Pacific of Damen Shipyards Group Roland Briene, who signed the MoU, said: “We are very pleased to be participating in this MoU. Damen has a long track record of skills and knowledge transfer of which we are immensely proud.
“It is our philosophy and practice to help develop the shipbuilding and maritime industries in the countries in which we operate.
“This includes investing in the establishment of high quality facilities and equipment and the training of local personnel. Time and again we have witnessed this leading to the establishment of sustainable shipbuilding initiatives able to serve the global marketplace.
“We are very much looking forward to applying our experience, along with our partners Gentium and the Ministry of Industry, here in Bangladesh.”