The government will purchase three new ocean-going vessels for the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) as part of efforts to expand the state-run company’s fleet and increase revenue.

Shipping Advisor Brigadier General (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain announced on Friday while visiting the KSRM Ship-breaking Yard in Sitakunda, Chattogram.

“The government is taking this step to boost income and strengthen the capacity of the state-owned BSC,” he said during his inspection of the facility.

The advisor also addressed environmental and safety issues in the ship-breaking industry, stating that 14 yards in Chattogram have already received the Green Shipyard Certificate under the Hong Kong Convention, which sets global standards for safe and environmentally sound ship recycling.

“More shipyards are in the process of obtaining certification,” he added.

However, he warned that any yard failing to meet required standards would be shut down. “Many yards are still struggling to comply with international regulations fully,” he said, adding that the government would continue to offer support to help improve compliance and raise industry standards.

The move is seen as part of a broader effort to modernise the country’s maritime infrastructure and align it with global practices.