Dutch Damen Shipyards and Australian Gentium Solutions plan to establish and develop a shipbuilding and ship repair industry in Bangladesh. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect with the Ministry of Industry of Bangladesh in Dhaka.
The aim is to build ships in Bangladesh, for Bangladesh, with a long-term view of serving export markets. The partners in the MoU will undertake a number of tasks in this direction.
Shipbuilding and Repair Facility
First amongst these will be the establishment of a shipbuilding and repair facility built to globally recognised environmental and building standards. The standard of the facility will be sufficient for the construction and delivery of seagoing vessels able to compete in the global marketplace.
As part of their role in the MoU, Gentium-Damen will facilitate a transfer of technology and knowledge to help Bangladeshi personnel develop the skills required to serve the international maritime industry. As a result of this, the MoU will create significant training and employment opportunities within Bangladesh.
Transfer of Skills and Knowledge
‘Damen has a long track record of skills and knowledge transfer of which we are immensely proud,’ says Area Director Asia Pacific of Damen Shipyards Group Roland Briene. ‘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.’
Damen Shipyards Group operates 36 shipbuilding and repair yards, employing 12,000 people worldwide. Gentium provides international solutions for projects, investments and developments in different industries, including mining, rail, construction and shipping.
Picture: Gentium and Damen Shipyards Group sign an MoU with the Ministry of Industry of Bangladesh in Dhaka in presence of the Netherlands Embassy in Bangladesh.
