Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam has said that small marine research vessels will play a vital role in advancing Bangladesh’s blue economy by supporting the exploration of marine mineral and fisheries resources.
He made the remarks on Tuesday while inaugurating the keel-laying ceremony for the country’s first internationally standard Small Research Vessel (SRV) at Khulna Shipyard Ltd (KSY), where he attended as the chief guest.
The minister said that scientific studies conducted through the vessel would help identify, assess and better utilise the country’s marine resources, creating new opportunities for innovation and development in the maritime sector.
According to officials, the vessel will be equipped for a wide range of oceanographic and scientific functions, including measuring sea depth, seabed mapping, hydrographic surveys, marine sample collection, fisheries research, and exploration of offshore oil and gas resources. It will also be used to study marine environmental conditions.
The project is being implemented under a direct procurement agreement between Khulna Shipyard Limited and the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute. Under this agreement, construction work will include one Small Research Vessel for sample collection, one self-sustained pontoon, two high-speed cabin boats, and a 250-metre jetty with a gangway.
Officials present at the ceremony included representatives from the Bangladesh Navy, Khulna Shipyard and the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute.
The minister reiterated that expanding marine research capacity through such infrastructure would strengthen Bangladesh’s long-term blue economy strategy and scientific capabilities in ocean resource management.
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