Dutch shipyard owner, Gentium and Damen Shipyards Group, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Industry of Bangladesh in Dhaka to establish and develop a shipbuilding and ship repair industry in Bangladesh. 

In a statement, Damen said the aim is to build ships in Bangladesh, for Bangladesh, with a long-term view of serving export markets.

The partners in the MoU, Damen noted, will also undertake a number of tasks in this direction.

Damen said the shipbuilding and repair facility will be built to be at par with globally recognised environmental and building standards and the standard of the facility to be able to compete in the global marketplace.

As part of the MoU, Gentium-Damen will also facilitate a transfer of technology and knowledge to help Bangladeshi personnel develop the skills required to serve the international maritime industry — creating a significant training and employment opportunities within Bangladesh.

“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,” said Roland Briene, area director Asia Pacific of Damen Shipyards Group.

“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,” he added.