According to officials at the Bangladeshi shipping ministry, the Bangladeshi government plans to sign an agreement with Sri Lanka that would involve traffic concessions for ships trading between the countries, feeder services between Chittagong and Colombo ports and the lease/purchase of ships.

In addition, the two countries are also planning to enter into a coastal shipping agreement that will allow the smooth movement of smaller ships of between 3,000 dwt to 4,000 dwt and boxships of up to 1,500 teu.

Similar ships trade between the countries but they do not benefit from, for example, priority berthing or traffic concessions.

The Bangladeshi shipping ministry claims that the country’s coastal shipping agreement with India that began in April this year has helped increase activities between the countries.

Also, Indian shipowners are now looking to place export orders for smaller ships at Bangladeshi yards. For instance, Jindal Group of India has ordered a series of smaller bulkers at Chittagong’s Western Marine Shipyard.

According to Trade Winds News Bangladeshi government believes maritime agreements with neighbouring countries in South Asia will benefit everyone by reducing shipping costs and attracting more players into the market with quality, competitive services.