Shipping’s 180-day report flags reforms, headwinds

The Department of Shipping (DoS) has submitted its 180-day progress report to the Ministry of Shipping, highlighting reform initiatives undertaken over the past six months while identifying a series of institutional and logistical challenges that continue to hamper implementation.

According to the report, the department has launched a range of reforms in line with the directives of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to strengthen enforcement of domestic and international maritime laws, improve vessel safety, enhance environmental protection and expand digital public services.

Despite the progress, the report says several structural weaknesses continue to impede the pace of reform.

Among the key challenges are the absence of a modern recruitment policy, the need to update two major maritime laws, shortages of skilled technical personnel, inadequate field offices and manpower, limited budget allocations and insufficient transport facilities for official inspections.

The report also underscores the need to enhance staff capacity in industrial automation, digitalisation, big data and artificial intelligence, while expediting organisational restructuring, finalising recruitment rules, accelerating the disposal of maritime cases and bringing all government services under digital platforms.

Director General of the Department of Shipping Commodore Md Shafiul Bari said the department is implementing reforms under the guidance of the Ministry of Shipping to build a modern, technology-driven and environmentally sustainable maritime administration.

"Our strategic plan provides a roadmap for establishing a safe, efficient and sustainable maritime transport system. Its successful implementation will strengthen Bangladesh's maritime economy, boost domestic and international trade and enhance global connectivity," he told The Daily Observer.

Acknowledging existing constraints, he expressed optimism that greater use of technology, improved public services and development of skilled human resources would transform the department into a modern maritime regulator capable of making a stronger contribution to national economic growth.

The Director General said expanding the department's technical workforce is essential to strengthening maritime governance and sustaining employment opportunities for Bangladeshi seafarers. Additional technical manpower, he said, would improve navigation safety and enhance oversight of the country's extensive inland and coastal waterways. He also highlighted plans to establish new maritime training centres under proposed projects to produce internationally competitive seafarers for both domestic and overseas shipping industries, saying the initiative would help reduce unemployment and increase foreign currency earnings through overseas employment.

According to the report, the department also plans to establish a nationwide digital database covering all vessels, including engine-powered boats, through a vessel database and management capacity enhancement project. The system will support vessel surveys, quality inspections, registration, digital certification, online survey services and greater maritime safety awareness.

The report notes that Bangladesh has retained its position on the International Maritime Organization's White List, reflecting international recognition of the country's maritime examination and certification standards. It also says Bangladesh has ratified the Hong Kong Convention on ship recycling, while its ship recycling and shipbuilding industries continue to enjoy international recognition.