Book

Bangladesh’s shipbuilding industry stands at an important crossroads. With a growing industrial base, skilled workforce, strategic geographic location, and expanding manufacturing capabilities, the country has the potential to strengthen its position in the global maritime industry. Yet significant challenges remain in productivity, technology, safety, environmental compliance, investment, and international competitiveness. This book provides a comprehensive analysis of Bangladesh’s shipbuilding industry in the context of global and regional market trends. It examines the history and development of global and local shipbuilding, market forecasts, ship recycling, labour productivity and costs, SMEs and component manufacturing, and the impact of COVID-19 and geopolitical changes. Drawing lessons from successful shipbuilding nations, including Vietnam and India, the book evaluates Bangladesh’s industrial capabilities through SWOT analysis and explores suitable international market segments. Particular attention is given to smart ports, smart ships, smart shipbuilding, and the potential of digital and AI-enabled technologies to improve productivity, safety, compliance, and sustainability. Combining field research, stakeholder interviews, focus group discussions, expert perspectives, and global market analysis, this study identifies opportunities, challenges, and practical pathways for the future development of Bangladesh’s shipbuilding sector. It offers valuable insights for policymakers, shipyard owners, engineers, researchers, investors, industry professionals, and anyone interested in the future of Bangladesh’s maritime manufacturing industry.